2. Bones
CHAPTER 2
BONES
M y professor drones on, and I know I should be listening because this three-hour lecture is important. Everyone around me is busy taking notes, preparing for the quiz at the end of the week, but me?
I’m staring at my phone, fighting my irritation as I stare at Skylar Warren’s smirking face on my screen. It’s my own fault for going to his social media. I don’t even know why I did it. Hell, I don’t know why I keep bailing him out when he gets into trouble. I’m not even a lawyer yet. To be fair, it’s usually a cut-and-dried case of a misdemeanor, so he really doesn’t need me, but he uses it as an excuse every time, and every time, I fucking fall for it.
Why?
I tell myself and everyone else it’s because I’m friends with Evan and Alek and they would be annoyed if I let their friend suffer. The true reason? I don’t have a fucking clue why I can’t say no to him.
Skylar is an impatient, crude, rough delinquent bordering on stalking with no hopes or dreams for his future, just his obsession with illegal races.
I can’t seem to stop him from invading my life.
Annoyingly, I scroll through his page, looking at photo after photo. Most are of cars or him with cars. There are some with bikes and a few with him and Alek, where it looks like Alek wants to kill him, and my lips twitch. As soon as I realize that, I slam my phone down on my desk, making the guy next to me jump and stare.
Most people would apologize, but I simply narrow my eyes, and he quickly looks at the front of the room, his face turning red, including his ears.
Why isn’t it that easy to get rid of Skylar? Everyone else takes one look at me and runs the opposite way, or they keep me at arm’s length. Not him. He is determined to worm his way into my life. Why? It can’t be just sex, or I would give in to him in hopes he would leave me the fuck alone. Skylar is like a feral dog with a bone, and if you throw him the barest hint of attention, he will latch on and never let go.
My phone buzzes, and I foolishly pick it up, ignoring the sharp sting of disappointment when I realize it’s not that pesky guy.
Evan: Did you bail Sky out again?
Evan: You have to stop or he’ll never learn.
Evan: These racer boys are like kids. You have to be firm with them.
Bones: Like you are with Alek? I saw you following him around like a puppy this morning after he sulked when you said no.
Evan: Yes, but I’m firm with him elsewhere ;)
Evan: Maybe that’s it! You need to fuck the brat out of him, and then he’ll leave you alone.
Desire hammers through me, and an image slides through my head before I push it away.
Bones: Please stop using the words “fuck” and “brat” in the same sentence as his name.
Evan: Why? You like it.
I hate that he knows that. Evan really does see too much. I’d hate him if I could, but his bright personality makes it impossible. He has this aura around him that drags people close without realizing it. It’s probably why he got that big, grumpy bastard to fall in love with him. It’s easy for Evan. Everyone loves him; even Sky dotes on him. Me? I’m used to being hated and feared, but I like it. It keeps people at a safe distance so I won’t get hurt again.
Evan: I’m right, aren’t I? Do you like Skylar?
Bones: Don’t even joke like that. He’s a petulant, annoying child I seem to have adopted because of you and your boyfriend.
Evan: Want me to get Alek to kick his ass? I would offer, but it’s hotter watching him do it.
Bones: You two are like humping bunnies, you know that, right?
Evan: Very true, but can you blame me? He’s so pretty.
I switch over to another chat as a message comes through.
Alek: Did you bail Sky out again?
I roll my eyes with a deep sigh. These two are so in sync, it’s unreal, but the difference between Alek and Evan is very obvious.
Bones: Unfortunately.
Alek: Okay. Don’t next time.
That’s it, nothing else. How does a guy like Evan match with a guy like this? I don’t know, but they work.
Putting down my phone and ignoring the notifications, I focus on my laptop in front of me and the blank document. Instead of taking notes, I list reasons to stay away from Skylar Warren.
He’s annoying.
He doesn’t take no for an answer.
He is a bit of a slut.
He’s clearly into illegal shit that won’t do well for me in the future.
He doesn’t take anything seriously.
He’s dangerous and crazy.
As I continue listing reasons, I keep coming back to one fact . . . .
Why can’t I stop thinking about him?
My groan is loud as I let my head smash into the desk. I feel every eye turn to me, but I ignore them like I wish I could ignore him.