Chapter 8
Cade has been my brother since I was four years old. His uncle Kevin took me in when my mother died from a drug overdose. She had been dead for six days, when the police finally showed up after getting numerous complaints of a foul smell coming from our apartment.
Once I got my hands on the crime scene photos, I was able to confirm for myself. There she was, lying in her own vomit and blood. I still have unresolved feelings about her.
I’m just glad I was able to end up with them instead of being put in the system. When I asked Kevin how he knew about me he just said it was good timing.
I’ve known about Lux since I was seven. She belongs to Cade, but I can’t help but wish she belonged to me too. We passed a few girls between us, but that’s it.
When Marz saw her at school, he said she had a nice ass, and Cade knocked him out cold. None of us have said anything in front of him again. When we learned she wasn’t found that night and then later found out she was here we knew we had to find her.
So when Kevin said two of us needed to infiltrate Cherryville, it was a no-brainer that it would be Cade and myself.
It’s been months and we finally got word that we will return home. Kevin was able to get Lux placed with us. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is fucked. I smile, knowing if given the chance I would definitely push up on her, but I know that the guys won’t back off.
I’ve been watching her, so when Cade set her up to be hurt by Chelsey, I went behind his back and had a surprise for her arrival at Dane’s. I had the girls play a game of slice and scream. Chelsey needed thirty-four stitches from the slice down her face.
When word got around that she was planning on snitching on them, they threw acid on her back. She’s had thirteen surgeries and is still covered in scars.
My stomach growls. Fuck man. I really need to get my hands on some real fucking food.
Walking into the school, looking around for her, I notice she isn’t here. I glance over at Cade and see the moment he realizes it, too.
“Jo!” I yell, getting her attention.
“What? Haven’t you fuckers done enough damage? You have all had a problem with her since day one and yet she still doesn’t know why. It’s fucking bullshit.” Jo says, narrowing her eyes.
“Where is she?” Cade has venom laced in his tone.
“I’m not telling you shit, Cade. I won’t let you hurt my bestie.” She pokes her finger into Cade’s chest before turning and entering the bathroom.
“What do you think happened? Where could she be?” He states with a worried look on his face.
“She isn’t set to be released yet, so I know she is still here. I want to know where the fuck she is. Stone, see what you can get out of her little friend by lunch.” He says through gritted teeth, clapping me on the shoulder.
“Yeah, I got you bro.” I nod, turning and following him into class.
As soon as we walk into social studies, I notice that Mr. Carter wrote we would be working in teams today and to sign up. I glance around the room, looking to see if I see Lux. When I notice she’s not in class yet, I go over to the sign-up sheet and write her name by mine.
This is the perfect opportunity to get the answers I need. Walking over to her usual seat, I sit down in Lux’s spot and await her arrival. The bell rings just as Jo makes her way into class. She hasn’t noticed me yet as she comes over and flops into her seat, finishing up her conversation with one of the girls from their home. As she turns to face the class, I see the moment she notices I’m here. The color drains from her face, and she goes stiff.
“What the fuck? I thought I already told you gu-” I cut her off from finishing the rest of her statement.
“We are working in teams today and you were the only option left.” I say, making sure I sound uninterested.
“Uh, fine. I still won’t tell you shit.” she huffs, turning to angle her body away from me.
“That’s fine. Why would I care about your little bestie?” She turns to eye me with her brow raised. I know she doesn’t believe a word I’m saying.
“Seems like your little friends care.” Looking over her shoulder towards Cade and the guys and then back to me.
I just look at her, showing nothing on my face. She growls, turning back to face the front of the class. I know she won’t just let it go. She likes to talk and I know she is curious about what caused the drama between us and her bestie.
I can’t and won’t give her that reason. I remember hearing all the details about what was set into motion, and I fully understand. They were my family too. Even though I want to blame her, I know she had no say in anything.
The sound of snapping gets my attention. Turning in the direction of the sound, I see Jo trying to gain my attention.
“Whoa, buddy. What are you over there daydreaming about?” With a huge grin on her face, she leans closer. “I want all the details. I need something good to tell my bestie later.”
“Nothing.” Taking out my notebook and pen.
“C’mon. I know it”s not nothing.” Giving her only my silence. She huffs,“Fine. Keep your secrets.”
“How about an exchange?” I look over to her.
“An exchange? What kind of exchange?” I knew she would take the bait.
“Tell me where your bestie is and I’ll tell you why we hate her.” Staring at her while she processes what I’ve said.
“How do I know you aren’t going to take my info and give me nothing in return?” she quirks an eyebrow.
“If I give you nothing, you can tell Cade I told you about the waterfall thing.” Chuckling when I notice I got her now.
“Okay, deal. She is meeting with her new foster parents.” The smile on her face lets me know there”s more to the story.
“Foster parents? When is she leaving?” So that’s why she isn’t here. Interesting.
“We are set to leave in- Wait. Where is my part of the deal, why do you guys hate her?” Knowing she won’t let this go.
“She owes us her life.” Getting up to head over to the guys.
“Wait. What does that mean?” She says, with a confused look on her face.
I give her my most sinister smile, walking back over to the guys to fill them in on everything. I continue to ignore her as she shouts my name.
“Stone!” She yells my name in a pissed off shout.