JAGGER
Last nightafter Crew picked up Scar, she filled us in on a situation that involved Melody Higgins. Things are getting really messy, and if we don’t do something soon, we’re going to lose complete control over the student body. If that happens, The Elders will be forced to step in and me and the guys risk losing all our authority.
“Maybe I should skip the game,” Crew says, pacing my bedroom floor. His eyes are pinned to his feet; he’s been deep in thought all morning.
I shuffle through the hoodies in my closet, searching for my favorite one. “And what good would that do?”
“Scar needs extra protection. She’s downplaying this too much, and I don’t think she realizes the danger she’s in. If I skip the game, I can stay with her.”
My hands drop to my sides when I remember I let Scar have my Essex High hoodie last night. I’m pretty sure she lent it to the frantic chick on the deck. I’m not sure she ever got it back.
“Look. Neo and I will keep an eye on Scar. She’ll be fine.”
“Neo?” Crew laughs. “I wouldn’t trust that fucker with a goldfish, let alone my girl.”
His girl.Is that what she is?
“Do you trust me?”
There’s a beat of silence before he says, “Of course I do.”
But does he really?“You mean that?”
“Shouldn’t I trust you?”
I snatch a random hoodie from a hanger and hold it up—a black one with the teal BCA logo. Once I pull it over my head and slip my arms in, I turn to face Crew. “Depends on what we’re talking about. In regard to keeping Scar safe, of course.”
“And,” he drawls, glaring at me, “in regard to something else…?”
“Then no. You probably shouldn’t.”
When I look back at him, he’s glowering. He tips his head to the side. “Care to elaborate on that?”
I had no intention of drudging this up right now, but we’re alone and it’s time some shit is said. “You know I like her.” My words come out as smooth as a casual conversation over morning breakfast.
“No shit. But you know we’re together now. Apparently that doesn’t mean shit, though. Does it?”
“Didn’t know you and Scar had a label on your relationship, but either way, I don’t wanna come between you two, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“So what?” He laughs wryly. “You just want me to share her with you? I’m not Neo, and this isn’t some random chick.”
We’ve all shared girls more times than I can count, but that’s not what I’m asking for. If I’m being technical, I’m not asking for anything. I don’t need Crew’s permission, but out of respect, I’m letting him know where I stand.
“This isn’t about a one-night fuck and you know it.”
“Then what is it about? Humor me,best friend.” He puts emphasis on the title, dropping down into my desk chair. The arms in his veins protrude as he clicks his jaw.
“Did Scar ever tell you about her first kiss?”
His brows pinch together and he huffs. “No. Why the hell would I care about her first kiss?”
“It was me.” I press my lips together, watching him intently for a reaction.
His shoulders draw back, chest tight. “Bullshit.”
“It’s true. Four years ago, to be exact. I was also her second, third, fourth—”
“Shut the fuck up. Even if this is true, it doesn’t matter. What matters is her last kiss. Which will be me.”