Little Hoodlum (Hood River Hoodlums Book 2) Page 15

  Wes tells everyone good luck before sitting down at his desk. My phone buzzes and telling by the expectant look on his face, I know it’s him. He’s actually been a good friend to me. Listens to me gripe about everything and then offers advice. Mostly, he distracts me with poetry. I pull out my phone and peek at it.

  Wes: You should smile more often. If I knew pop quizzes made you grin that way, I would’ve been tossing them at you all the time.

  I discreetly flip him off, earning me a wide, boyish grin from him.

  Wes: I should give you detention for that.

  Me: But then who would read your poetry?

  I playfully bat my lashes at him.

  Wes: You’re a brat. Speaking of poetry… Want to go to Josie’s after school?

  Me: Can’t. I have to go to a party to keep an eye on Charlotte.

  He glances over at her and frowns.

  Wes: Should I come with?

  Me: No.

  His frown makes me feel guilty, but the last thing I need is to show up to a party with my freaking English teacher. No one will understand he’s just my friend. Especially not Jordy. Jordy would probably kill him on the spot and wind his ass back up in jail.

  Me: Raincheck on poetry. I’ll call you tomorrow. I might even read some of what I’ve written this week.

  He sits up and lifts a brow.

  Wes: Oh yeah? Feeling inspired?

  I think of Jordy’s full lips as he kisses me senseless.

  Me: Yes.

  Wes: What’s the name of one of the poems?

  I close my eyes, smiling. Then, I type out my reply.

  Me: His Lips.

  He smirks at me.

  Wes: About a kiss?

  Me: You’ll just have to wait and hear it.

  His wink is devilish. And his eyes hungrily rake down my front. It makes me backtrack, rereading through our texts. Surely he doesn’t think I want to kiss him. He’s my friend.

  I try not to think about his response and focus on the quiz. My brain jumbles the questions together until I’m frustrated beyond belief. The bell rings, dragging me from my inner thoughts, and I frown at my paper.

  Wes gives me a look that says, “Don’t leave.”

  I remain seated as I watch Charlotte drag herself out of her seat. Ryan is waiting by the door and he glowers at me before tucking her under his arm.

  Fuck Ryan Cunningham.

  Wes closes the door when the last student leaves. He walks over to my desk and picks up my paper.

  “You didn’t have to attempt this,” he says. “I told you I’d give you tests and quizzes verbally.”

  “I wanted to see if I could do it. Apparently I can’t.”

  He sits down in the desk behind me, playfully tugging at a strand of my hair. “It’s fine. I’ll go over it now.”

  I nod, frustrated with myself.

  “Relax,” he murmurs, one of his big hands moving my hair to the side. His fingers massage one shoulder. I don’t relax. After his last comment, it feels too intimate.

  Pulling out of his hold, I shoot him a warning look over my shoulder. He winces, horror washing over his features.

  “Roux…”

  “It’s fine. I’m just having a bad day. Can we do the quiz so I can leave?”

  I’ve wounded him. I feel like a bitch about it too. His brows furl and his lip pouts out as he burns his stare into the paper. He clears his throat and shakily reads me the first question. I answer each question easily, and by the time we finish, I feel terrible. He’s quiet as he stands and walks over to his desk. Quickly, I gather my things and walk over to him.

  “I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

  He studies me for a long beat. His hand reaches for me and he jerks it back. “It’s fine. I’ll talk to you later.”

  The dismissiveness in his tone guts me. I can’t lose my only friend at the moment. It’s not his fault I’m stressed over Charlotte and Jordy.

  I walk right up to him and hug him, needing him to understand I’m not spooked by his friendliness. He’s stiff at first, but then returns the hug. His fingers stroke through my hair. It’s relaxing, but that makes me cringe when I think about it too hard.

  “I’ll call you after the party,” I promise. “Maybe tomorrow we can go to Josie’s.”

  We pull apart and he’s back to smiling. I’m happy I fixed whatever it was I almost broke. I have enough broken relationships right now to have one more.

  The door creaks open and we step apart on instinct, knowing if someone caught us this close they wouldn’t understand the friendship we’ve developed. My head sweeps to the side, thankful to see it’s just Kayden.

  A seriously pissed off Kayden.

  Oh shit.

  He storms into the room, his furious glare pinned on Wes. “Let’s go, babe.”

  “Kayden,” I hiss. “I’m not your babe.”

  “You’re not his, either,” Kayden snaps, nodding his head at Wes.

  “Stop it.” I pin him with a firm stare.

  Wes, despite being a teacher and the authority here, doesn’t back down. He flashes Kayden a smug, challenging look.

  “Stop it.” This time, my words are for Wes. To Kayden, I say, “Let’s go.”

  He laughs at Wes, happily threading his fingers with mine. I just need to get him out of here. I’m not sure if he still carries a gun, or even if he does at school, but I’ll be damned if I let things escalate between him and Wes. I don’t want Wes getting fired or hurt.

  I glance over my shoulder at Wes. His jaw works furiously as he watches us leave. I give him a reassuring smile before jerking my hand from Kayden’s and stepping into the hallway.

  “You can be such an asshole. You know that?” I storm toward the stairwell, not waiting for Kayden.

  He catches up to me, slinging an arm over my shoulders. “You love me.”

  “I don’t,” I snap. “Not like that.”

  His face pinches, reminding me of the old Kayden I really did have feelings for. When he’s not being an arrogant thug, it’s hard not to like him.

  “I’m sorry. That was harsh,” I say, stopping at the top of the stairs. “I’ll go to the party tonight with you.”

  His eyes light up and he grins.

  “As friends,” I continue.

  “I’ll take anything with you at this point,” he says, never losing his smile.

  “You’re so over the top,” I say with a laugh. “Seriously, though, I want to see Charlotte. I heard she’ll be there.”

  “She will be. Her dumbass cunt of a boyfriend too.” He scowls. “I’ve been keeping an eye on her whenever I see her at these parties. For you.”

  “Thank you,” I say, exhaling a breath.

  We start down the stairs and at the bottom, he pulls me to him, hugging me. I allow the embrace because I miss our friendship. I want him to be like he used to be before Renaldo got his claws dug deep into him.

  “I’ll keep you safe too,” he promises. “I won’t drink with you there. No one will touch a hair on your head. Everyone knows Roux Hirsch is Ramirez property.”

  I pull away, swatting at him. “Had to go and ruin it, huh?”

  “Just statin’ the truth, baby.” He grins at me, which makes me laugh.

  Something catches my stare from behind him. In a dark classroom. Tom. Creepy peeping Tom. He holds a finger to his lips. I shiver and turn on my heel.

  “Can you give me a ride home?” I mutter, eager to get the hell out of there.

  “You never have to ask.”

  This party is wild like the last one I attended. Lots of people I don’t know. Drugs. Alcohol. People fucking in any dark corner they can find. I’m on edge, but I’m on a mission.

  Find Charlotte.

  Force her to get her head out of her ass.

  “Want a drink?” Kayden asks, trying desperately to be the attentive boyfriend.

  “No, thanks.” I glance around the crowd. “You seen Char yet?”

  �
��They’re not here—” he says and then growls. “That motherfucker.”

  I turn to see Ryan walking in with Charlotte, Isaiah, and some guy I don’t recognize. Definitely a sketchy looking dude.

  “Who is that?”

  “The fucking enemy.” Kayden’s jaw ticks. “I see how the fuck it is and here I thought Ryan was cool.”

  “Focus,” I say, elbowing him. “We need to get Charlotte away from him. I want to talk to her.”

  Kayden is focused all right. But on the wrong thing. I can tell he wants to beat some ass. When Charlotte starts to pull away from Ryan and he yanks her hard to him, Kayden bursts forward, not needing much direction after that.

  “Dude,” Kayden bellows. “Get your fucking hands off her.”

  Ryan releases Charlotte to face off with Kayden. They go nose to nose, spitting out obscenities at each other. I take it as my cue to sneak Charlotte away. Rushing over to her, I grab her hand that feels bony in my grip and tug her away from them. Her dull eyes flare to life and she hisses at me.

  “Get the hell away from me, Roux!”

  I’m stung by her harsh words, but I don’t relent. “No. You’re going to hear me out.”

  She struggles to pull her hand back, but I’m currently stronger to the surprise of both of us. It’s as though she doesn’t realize she’s been fading away for weeks.

  “He’s a parasite,” I grind out. “He’s hurting you and you’re letting him.”

  “Leave me alone!”

  “No! You’re my best friend, Charlotte. You may have forgotten, but I didn’t. I won’t let that dickhead kill you!”

  “Overdramatic much?” She yanks her hand free and steps back. “You fucked up accusing my boyfriend of those things and then getting my family involved. Friends don’t throw each other under the bus. We’re nothing now, Roux. I have Ryan now.”

  “Ryan is an abusive psychopath!”

  She slaps me. My best friend hauls off and slaps me. I’m stunned by her striking me, even though it wasn’t with enough force to hurt. Char is a bag of bones and gaunt. She couldn’t hurt me if she tried right now.

  “You hit me,” I whisper.

  Her blue eyes soften for a brief moment and her bottom lip wobbles. “Stay away from me,” she pleads. “I just need you to stay away from me.”

  With those words, she rushes off into the crowd, leaving me to shatter alone. I touch my stinging cheek, tears rapidly beginning to fall down my cheeks. Swiveling on my feet, I turn and head for the door. On my mad dash for the exit, I nearly run over the man standing in my path. Strong hands grip my biceps, steadying me.

  Jordy.

  I throw myself into his arms, choking on a sob. He envelops me in a protective embrace, nuzzling his nose in my hair.

  “You okay, Little Hoodlum?”

  “I am now that you’re here for me.” I tilt my head up to look at him. “Why are you here for me, though? How did you know I’d be here?”

  It all comes crashing down on me.

  Right.

  He’s not here for me. He’s here for Kayden.

  Ice chills me to the bone as I slip out of his arms and rush out the door. Tonight, the air is cool and it’s starting to sprinkle chilly drops. I don’t have a car. Since I rode with Kayden, I don’t even know where to go right now.

  I just need to escape.

  The rain starts to pick up, splattering hard on my head and soaking through my hoodie. Droplets land on my glasses, making it difficult to see. I weave myself in and out of cars, eager to get away from the sounds of the party that can still be heard thumping behind me. It grows darker the farther I run. Less cars.

  Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

  Footsteps thud over the sounds of rain and now rumbling thunder. The rain starts pelting me, soaking me to the bone in an instant. I look over my shoulder but don’t see anyone in the darkness.

  Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

  The footsteps quicken, which makes my heart race. I take off running full speed ahead down the dark road. My mind is a blur as I think about Charlotte’s hate-filled eyes. Someone grabs me from behind.

  I scream, but the moment I’m pulled against the hard body that breathes heavily from exertion, I recognize it.

  Jordy.

  His smell. His touch. The way he nuzzles my soaked hair, inhaling me.

  “Where you running to, Little Hoodlum?”

  “Away.”

  “From me?”

  “From life.”

  “You can’t run.” He turns me in his arms so we’re facing each other. “I’ll always find you.”

  I can’t make out all of his features in the darkness and pouring rain, but I never need to see Jordy. I have him memorized. When you know someone your whole life, you don’t forget the details of their face.

  Like the small, random freckle near his temple. I brush it with my thumb. Or the scar on his forehead from fighting with one of the other Hoodlums when they were younger. I certainly don’t forget the way his dark eyes track me no matter where I go. They’ve always done that, even when he didn’t have a romantic interest in me.

  Jordy has always cared about me.

  The thought warms me as I stand on my toes to seek out his lips. They’re cold and wet. I’m to warm them up with mine. Our kiss starts out sweet and within seconds, we’re devouring each other like it might be our last kiss. My fingers dive into his wet hair, tugging so he’s closer. His arms possessively wrap around me.

  He doesn’t argue when I climb him like a tree. No, my Jordy assists in my efforts, moving his large hands to my ass and holding me up so I can wrap my legs around his waist. Now that I’m in his arms, he starts walking, carrying me somewhere. I hug onto his neck, needing his warmth and affection as he takes us wherever it is we’re going.

  We stop in front of a car and I realize it’s his. I cling to him, not eager to let go. I know once I do, he’ll put distance between us. I hate the chasm that exists when reality sets in. When we’re in our fantasy world, we lose track of time and rules, desperate for the other. He leans me against the car, pressing soft kisses to my face.

  “Are you okay?” he asks, his voice husky and filled with need.

  “I am now.”

  “Ready to get out of here?”

  I close my eyes, hating that Charlotte’s gaunt face fills my mind. “She hates me, Jordy.”

  “It won’t be forever.”

  “How do you know?” I demand, my eyes burning with unshed tears.

  “Because your brother hated me.” He leans his forehead against mine. “And now he doesn’t.”

  Will time heal this wound Char and I share?

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am,” he murmurs. “Now let’s get you home and dry. Hollis just put in one of Kelsey’s lasagnas when I left. Roan’s home too. Maybe you need a little family time.”

  Dinner with my brother, his husband, and Jordy?

  I could never say no to that.

  “Let’s get out of here.” I kiss him once more. “Thanks for always being there.”

  “I always will be.”

  His words flood through me, chasing away every doubt and insecurity. My life might be chaotic and confusing right now, but everything with Jordy feels right. How it’s supposed to be. I just have to figure out how to fix everything else.

  Jordy

  Bob is going to kill my ass for rolling up there late on a Saturday since it’s our busiest day, but I can’t help it. I’m tired as fuck. Stayed up late shooting the shit with Hollis, Roan, and Roux. It’s the most fun I’ve had in forever. Hollis got drunk and that guy’s a funny bastard when he’s wasted. Roux wasn’t allowed to drink, but for as much as she giggled, she may have well been drunk. Roan’s eyes glittered with so much damn happiness.

  My chest expands at the realization.

  Roan has everything he wants now. Love. His sister. Firefighting. And his best friend. Five years ago, I would’ve never predicted the outcome of any of this. Everything was
so uncertain. Roan fucked and fled. His mom was a cunt who strung them along, barely doing her job as a parent. He had shitty grades and a lack of direction. And I was on a path of destruction myself.

  Somehow, though, it all turned out all right.

  Or it will be.

  Right now, there are some serious fucking issues in the plan that involves me. I’ll get them straightened out, but it’s going to take some time and patience. Both of which I learned while in prison.

  While the three of them sleep, I rush and get ready. I’m in such a mad dash to get downstairs to my car, I almost miss the person leaned against their car parked beside mine.

  Unfiltered hate ripples from him.

  Again.

  “What the fuck is your problem, man?” I demand, squaring my shoulders. “You stalking me now?”

  The nerd—Gio—sneers at me. “I came here to ask you the same.”

  “I’m not stalking you.”

  “You’re stalking my wife,” he snarls, storming my way.

  This dude is shrimpy. Small and thin and fucking useless. I could knock him out in one punch. I’m not afraid he’ll whip my ass, so I stare down at him in a bored way that seems to infuriate him more.

  “Why the hell would I stalk Sidney?” I growl. “I don’t even like her.”

  He shoves me with about as much force as Roux. I take a step back, distancing myself so I don’t kill his ass.

  “You know why,” he bites out. “And I can’t…” His voice cracks. “I can’t let you do that. You won’t take this from us.”

  I lift a brow. So he and Sidney both know and don’t care? That’s as much of a confession as anything I’ve ever heard.

  Too fucking bad.

  “Sorry, bro,” I say with a shrug, “but I don’t know if I can back off from that. If you were so worried, why stay here? Why not move away?”

  “We have family here. Support. My job. It’s not that easy.” Heartbreak shines in his eyes. “Please. I’m begging you.”

  Guilt washes over me, seeping into my pores. I’m not some homewrecking asshole. But I’m also not blind. I can’t sit back and ignore something that’s not right.