The guy that waved in class catches up with me, out of breath. He’s tall, with a medium build,and has strong features. Nice to look at. “What’s your name?” he repeats, and I notice he has a Texas drawl when he speaks. Cute.
Quirking a brow, I answer, “Lucy.”
He holds out his hand. “I’m Kyle, andI’mfrom Texas.”
Giving him a playful grin, I place my hand in his. “Hi, Kyle from Texas. I’m Lucy and this is my sister-in-law, Khalani.”
He tips his head. “Nice meeting you both.” His gaze lands on mine. “I was wondering if you want—”
“No.” My eyes narrow because Mason, Aiden, Leo,and Colton are standing behind him like a firing squad. Mason crosses his arms over his chest. “Whatever you were going to ask her, the answer is hell no.”
What an ass. I glance at my brother for help, but he stays silent.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Kyle says. “I didn’t know the lady was taken.”
“I’m not. They’re just being overprotective assholes.” I adjust my oversized bag on my shoulder and glare at my brother. “Tell them to stop, Aiden. I’m eighteen years old. I’m not a child anymore.”I spit.
Kyle backs away, clearly uncomfortable. “I apologize if I caused any trouble. I have to get to my next class.” He points in the opposite direction.
Mason glowers at him. “Good idea. If we catch you near her again,I’ll make sure you head back to Texas in a box.”
Kyle’s golden skin turns pale. “Gotcha. No-no problem,” he sputters before turning away.
I shake my head, pissed off. “Really? What the fuck? You guys are a bunch of dicks.” My eyes flick to Leo. “Come on. A little help here.” He ignores me.
My gaze then lands on Colton, the easier going of the four. “Come on, Colton. Help a girl out.”
He raises his hand. “I’m sorry, Lucy. My back is against the wall.”
“So, every time a guy asks me out, you four are going to threaten them?”
“He’s a pussy anyway,” Mason bites out.
“If you didn’t notice, I didn’t ask you shit,” I snap.
His nostrils flare, and I don’t care. My hate for him has grown into full-blown loathing. I can’t stand him. My entire senior year, I mourned the loss of my baby and his betrayal. I consider the babymybaby because no one knows of its existence but me. Mason would probably be glad he dodged a bullet with the way he fucks around. He doesn’t seem to care how I feel about it anymore. Gloria is always pointing it out.
All he does is intimidate every guy that looks my way. He doesn’t want me but has a serious problem when someone tries to ask me out. Fucking asshole.
“You know what?” I ask but think better of it. “Whatever. I’m going to talk to Dad.”
Aiden’s eyes narrow. “We already talked about it.”
Aiden may not like the idea of me dating, but my Mexican-born, traditional father gave the green light. He said I can start dating and have a boyfriend.
“Then send the memo to the rest of the crew, because it appears they didn’t get it.”
“What memo?” Leo asks.
Aiden sighs. “Since I married Khalani, and we are eighteen, Lucy is free to date because she is an adult.”
“Are you fucking kidding? We’re going to have to watch theseputosmake a pass at Lucy and we can’t do shit about it?” Leo asks.
“Unless they cross the line,” Mason quips.
I lift my chin,challengingMason.“No. It’s ifIlet them cross the line.And I promise you,there will be lines crossed.”
His eyes narrow into slits.“We’ll see.”