Page 20 of A Million To Fall

Of course I’m alright with it, just like I’m alright with the warm flutter in my chest. “So sweet of you. You’re like my own personal bodyguard,” I giggle, the hallway in front of me emptying out.

Archer chuckles, but I feel him slow. I glance at him, noting the drop in his expression.

“You okay?” I ask, coming to a stop just outside my classroom, our hands still firmly entwined.

“Yeah,” he says, brows pinching. “Just… I know maybe this is stupid, but seeing you in another guy’s arms, it’s messing with my head.”

I blink, startled. “I’m sorry?”

He nods, jaw set. “I’m crazy about you already, Skye, and…” He shrugs like he isn’t certain even of his own words. “I didn’t like seeing you in Boston’s arms.”

My breath catches. I didn’t mean to cross any lines or embarrass Archer.

“I just think it might give people the impression that you have a thing for him or something, you know?” he adds.

“Arch, you know I’m with you,” I say, moving my hand to his cheek. The last thing I want is to hurt him with my carelessness. “I only hugged Boss because he got hurt and—”

“No, I know,” he says quickly, brushing his lips over mine. “I just don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about you.” His tone brightens and the tension in his face gives way to a wide smile.

“Come on, let’s get you to class.” He takes my hand, then leads me to my classroom.

And that flutter in my chest?

It’s gone.

eleven

Boston

I’m in a bad mood. Not a total shocker, considering my body and face still feel like I decided to run face-first into a wall. I look like it, too.

All day, people stared and whispered. Even my teachers asked careful questions after class. I just told them the same bullshit I told my friends, which isn’t technically a lie. Just a half-truth. I left out the part where it happened at home and involved my mom’s boyfriend, who might also be her pimp.

And then there’s Skye.

Despite what she told me Friday night, she and Archer are obviously a thing. Like, officially. Online, too. I checked.

All day, I heard about it. Girls whispering, guys nodding in approval. Then, at lunch, I saw them holding hands. Kissing. Smiling.

Not the best day.

Still, what takes the fucking cake is what I come home to after picking up Cassie and Bronx.

When we walk in, Eddie’s planted on the couch, shoveling leftover spaghetti into his mouth—the last of the food my mom made yesterday as a peace offering. I’d saved that for Cass and Bronx. It was all we had left besides four slices of bread and half a jar of peanut butter.

I scowl when I spot him.

His shit-eating grin stretches across his face. “Welcome back, Boston. Glad to see you decided to wake up and rejoin the family.” He smirks, noodles hanging from his fork. “You look like shit, though, kid. I can tell you that much.”

My fist twitches, but I suffocate the urge to throw a punch. Last time didn’t go well for me.

“Mom?” I call, helping Bronx and Cassie out of their coats. They immediately rush to our room to play, even though they know to do homework first.

“She’s getting ready for work,” Eddie says, eyes fixed on the TV.

Work?

My mom appears from the hallway, wearing clothes that are absolutely not meant for Minnesota winters—short skirt, skimpy top, high-heeled boots. Bright red lips. Her hair’s half-up, and for a second, I almost think she looks good. Except the whole thing’s… too much. It makes my face burn.