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“I don’t want a break,” I say a little too loud, aiming a hard stare at my brother. He still won’t look at me.
“Well, I do,” Henley says, drawing my attention. When I look at her, she looks right through me. “I think we could both use it.”
I give her an almost imperceptible shake of my head, my jaw clenched and aching. Teeth clamped together so tight I can practically feel them cracking.
She gives me a bland, unHenley smile in return. “Have a good time, Conner—I’ll see you on Monday.” She hitches her books against her chest and turns away from me. Gone before I can say another word.
“Let’s go,” Ryan says, snagging my shoulder to pull me toward the park. I jerk out of his grip and close the gap between me and Declan.
“What’s your problem?” I say, getting in his face.
“I’m problem-free,” he tells me with a grin. “What’s yours?”
“I’m only gonna say this once, so I really hope you’re listening,” I say, making sure my tone travels no further than my brother’s ears. “Unless you want me to tell Mom and Dad that you’re stealing cars and selling them to that chop-shop in Southie, stay the fuck out of my business and leave Henley alone.”
I’ve known for a while what he’s been doing when he sneaks out, but until now, I’ve kept my mouth shut. I watch Declan grind his teeth for a few seconds before I look at Ryan. “Buy your sister a backpack,” I say, practically snarling at him before pushing past him. He calls after me a few times before giving up. They head for the park, and I head for home.