His house. The house he won’t allow her to move out of. Yeah, he can have his house.
I nod and back up. I already know what her answer will be. I don’t need to hear it.
I turn and wrap my mother in a hug. “Don’t worry about me. If you need anything just call. I’ll figure it out.” I kiss my mother’s forehead and leave the home I grew up hating.
“We’re through, Will,” my father booms.
“Nah, Thaddeus. I’m just getting started.”
Chapter 2
Scars & Burns
Skittles
“Why are you always nagging me? Don’t you have somewhere to be? God, you’re so annoying,” Tak groans from his hospital bed.
“Because someone should care, you whiny little prick.”
“Who says no one cares? I just want you out of my face, Christ.”
“You don’t have to tell me no one cares. You’ve been here for two months. I haven’t seen your parents or anyone else come to see you.”
“So,” he says and turns away. I see the hurt in his eyes before he does.
“So, I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere.” I reach for his hand as I stand beside the bed. “Tak, you saved my life. From that night forward, you earned a big sister. I’ll fuck someone up for you. Even those shitty ass parents of yours, just say the word.”
He turns to look at me, his eyes filled with emotion. He then rolls his eyes over me. “You’re like the size of Tinker Bell.”
“Don’t let that shit fool you.” I place my hands on my hips. “Listen, I’m a friend. Stop trying to push me away. I’m not that easy to get rid of.”
“You’re too old for me and the scar isn’t doing it for me. You don’t have to keep flirting,” he deadpans.
I burst out into laughter. “You’re an ass. You’re cute, but not my type. Your skinny ass needs to eat something.”
“Fine, I’ll eat, but can you go see Felix or whatever that dead guy’s name is,” he grumbles.
I move the tray he pushed away not too long ago back within his reach. He picks up the Jell-O and tears into it. I smile and lean to push his hair back and give him a kiss on his forehead.
“That’s my boy.” I slip him the bag of Twizzlers and Twinkies I brought him. “I got you some real snacks for after you eat that food.”
He looks at me and blinks a few times. God, he’s a pretty kid. Those brown eyes speak volumes. Not my type, but still pretty.
When he speaks his next words, I see the sweet boy he’s been trying to hide. “Thanks, Skittles. For everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
I turn and grab my things to leave. “Hey, where are you going?”
“You told me to go see the dead guy, and his name is Kelex,” I say. “He’s doing better, by the way.”
Tak nods. “Good. What about the bossy dude? You hear anything about him?”
My heart races. Pit. His name is Will “Pit” Pitman. That’s what I found out his name is, and it will always stick with me.
My stomach has been in knots all day. Gah, I wanted to be there when he was released, but… yeah, Daddy would kill me. I’m supposed to stay away from him. All of them, actually.
However, I’ve never listened. Not since my father tried to tighten the reins on me. It drives me crazy.
“Yeah, he’s getting out today. The charges were dropped and buried. You’re both in the clear. Eat and get some rest.”
I exit his room and head for the one next door. I was able to get them side by side. Like I said, I never planned to stay away.
I place my things in the chair and sit. Kelex is asleep, so I’m careful to be quiet. There are plenty of racing and engineering magazines in my bag to keep me busy. Self-consciously I fluff my bangs to make sure they’re covering my scar.
“You’re beautiful no matter what.” I look up into the gray eyes staring back at me. They’re fully gray today.
Man, Kelex is a gorgeous guy. I love the way his eyes change color. However, I hate the sadness in them.
“I could say the same about you,” I reply and smile.
“Oh, God, she’s found out I’m from money,” he teases.
“Shut up, we both know I’m worth more than you.”
“Ouch,” he says and gives a crooked grin.
It’s the first genuine smile I’ve seen from him in two months. I think he’s getting used to having me around. In the beginning, he didn’t want anyone here, not even his family.
“I brought you some yachting magazines.”
“Damn, I was hoping for some titty mags.”
I break into a huge grin and hand him the stack of magazines I have in my bag. He lifts a brow at me. I shrug and allow him to maneuver with his casted arm to flip through the mags.
“I’m going to marry you, Skittles,” he croons.
“Not if you don’t sign the prenup.”
He bursts into laughter. It’s nice to hear and see. It lights his handsome face.
“Come closer. You smell nice.”
“Are you flirting with me, Kelex?” I say, but still move my chair closer.
“Maybe, is it working?”
“Maybe, but I’ll tell you right now, you have to buy me dinner if you think I’m going to sit here while you beat off to those magazines,” I say with a straight face.
He laughs again. “You’ve got it. How about a trip to Paris when I get out of here? We can have dinner there.”
“Now you’re talking. We can go to my favorite restaurant there.”
Suddenly the air in the room changes. He looks at me with a serious expression. His eyes clouding.
“Why do you keep coming here?”
“What’s with you guys today?”
He lifts a shoulder. “It’s an honest question. Is it pity? I saw your face the other day. When you walked in and I was uncovered.”
“First, that wasn’t pity you saw. It was gratitude. A soul-deep gratitude to you for saving my life. You and
