Page 132 of Shattered Pieces

“Good morning,” Josie said brightly as she walked into the kitchen, leaning down to give us both a quick hug. “Get a good sleep?”

“I did. Rory tossed and turned a lot,” I stated before Rory could lie.

“The school knows you’re taking a few days at home before returning, so catch up on sleep and have some quiet time,” Josie murmured, checking her watch. “I’ll be at the main office today, but I’ll come home if you need me. You boys make sure you go to school. You have an hour.”

I really didn’t want to go to school, preferring to stay home with Rory, but Josie insisted it was best to leave Rory alone. Hopefully, she could spend some time with Diesel because her being alone didn’t sound like a good idea.

“I’ll make sure we’re out the door in forty minutes,” I promised, and Josie gave me a smile before saying goodbye and leaving.

Rory stood and moved to straddle me, draping her arms over my shoulders to run her fingers through my hair.

“Do you think Skeet will talk to me? Hunter wants me to stay away from him,” she said softly, not hiding the hurt in her tone.

“I don’t say this often, but listen to Hunter. Skeet isn’t just upset with you, he thinks you betrayed him and his whole crew. You’re lumped in with all their enemies, babe,” I warned, pressing a kiss to her lips. “I know you want to talk to him, but I’d advise you to leave it alone. Maybe spend some time with D this week while you have the time away from school.”

“That’s a good idea,” she mumbled, leaning into me and just hugging me in silence until the guys reappeared.

She stayed on my lap until we had to leave, and it was hard prying her off me. I almost went against Josie and stayed home with her, but she forced a smile and shooed us away.

“Is she okay?” Tyler asked as we walked out to the cars, making me wince.

“Honestly? I don’t know. She’s cut up about Skeet and slept like shit. Didn’t help that Marco broke in last night to get his bike keys. I saw her out in the driveway talking to him and Hunter.”

“Marco was in the bedroom last night and we didn’t wake up?” Jensen asked with alarm.

“I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Rory later. I suggested she hangs out with D today, so hopefully that keeps her out of trouble. I left my keys for her in case she needs to go anywhere, but we need to organize getting the Lambo for her so she has wheels of her own. I don’t want her calling Hunter for a ride when I need my car,” I grumbled, the guys giving me looks of agreement.

We climbed into the Camaro to go together, and tension filled the car when we pulled up at school next to Caden’s Challenger to see him climbing out. No matter how hard we tried to appear like nothing was wrong, the other students weren’t stupid. They knew something was going on between us.

He eyed us as he smoked, waiting for us to join him, and annoyance filled me at his lack of concern for Rory.

“Not even going to ask about her?” I asked flatly, making him scoff.

“If something was wrong, you’d have said something. Hope you all had a magical night of⁠—”

“Stop being an ass. I don’t even give a shit if people see us fighting, so watch your mouth or I’ll put my fist in it,” I said to cut him off, his eyes narrowing.

“Let’s not do this, dude. I’m tired.”

“Up all night choking on Skeet’s cock?” Tyler asked dryly, making Caden snort and flick his cigarette away as he stalked off.

It was going to be a long day.

Diesel

I was making my morning coffee when a car pulled up outside and there was a knock on the door, annoyance washing through me. Who the fuck would be here this early? If it wasn’t a kid selling girl scout cookies, they were getting shot.

I walked over and opened the door with my hand on my gun, the tension leaving me instantly when I realized it was Rory. Only she’d make jeans, boots, and an overly large men’s hoodie look that good.

“What are you doing here?” I asked as I held the door open wider to let her in, and she cringed, looking apologetic.

“Sorry. The guys left for school and I thought I might be able to catch you before you head to the Shed. Is this okay? I can leave⁠—”

“No, I like you here,” I promised, making sure the door was locked before leading her into the kitchen. “Coffee?”

She nodded and sat at the counter to wait, smiling at me once I slid it towards her and sat beside her.

“Did you get much sleep?” I asked, knowing she wouldn’t have.