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“I’ll take you then. I’ll fight the hordes of angry women for you.”

“Kind of you,” I joked, but was grateful to have him take me. “Are you okay, Ry? I haven't seen you much lately but I’ve heard some stuff.”

“Like what?” he asked lightly, but I could hear the annoyance in his voice.

“Just tell me if you’re okay,” I answered, a sigh leaving him. He seemed withdrawn, and even though I was just his sister's annoying friend, I hoped he knew I cared about him. He’d always looked out for me and I didn’t like knowing that he was struggling.

He didn’t speak until we reached the library, where he leaned against the wall and slid his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I’ll be alright. I’m just dealing with some shit right now. You’re the first person to ask me though, you know? Everyone else just talks down to me like I’m a piece of shit.”

My heart hurt for him, and I reached out to squeeze his arm gently. “I’m here if you ever need to talk. You probably have your own friends, but—”

“No, I really appreciate it,” he said, cutting me off. “And I think it’s cool you and Riley are seeing each other. She’s loved you forever, you know?”

“Yeah, I know.” I smiled, clutching my books to my chest. “I’d better get inside. I’ll see you later.”

“You call me if you need me too, okay?” he said seriously while ruffling my hair lightly. “I know I’m a jackass and like to piss off Riley by acting interested in you, but I honestly see you like a little sister. I want to make sure you’re alright too.”

“Aw, you big softie,” I teased, laughing as he playfully swatted at me with a grin.

“Cheeky shit. Don’t tell anyone or you’ll ruin my bad boy rep.”

“I’ll be sure to tell all the girls you kick puppies and steal candy from children in your spare time,” I deadpanned, making him bark out a laugh as he turned to leave. “Hey, Ry?”

He glanced back at me, amusement on his face. “Yeah?”

“You’re the best big brother, you know? And thank you for giving a shit about my sister. I know she’s a hot mess, but you care for her. That means a lot to me.”

He gave me a weird look, but he nodded. “Have a good afternoon, Luney.”

I walked into the library, relieved to find only a couple of people in here studying. I sat at a table and made myself comfortable, knowing I’d probably be here until dinnertime.

ChapterTwenty-One

Riley

Giving Luna space was harder than I thought. I wasn’t surprised when she bailed for study session, because I’d told her I’d let her set the pace but then went against my promise and publicly pulled her onto my lap.

It was late, and I scolded myself as I checked my location app to check where she was, finding her just arriving at her house. I never wanted to become one of those people who needed constant reassurance, but I was silently freaking out that I’d fucked things up already.

I’d spent the afternoon checking in with Reid at the hospital to take my mind off of Luna. He still hadn’t woken up, but he was more stable which was a relief. I had to admit I was worried about him.

Luckily for me, Turbo called early in the evening and required my presence, giving me something else to focus on.

I was parked by the abandoned warehouse in the Heights, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel and checking my phone like a lovesick idiot. I dove at it when a message came through, a small smile tugging at my lips when Luna’s name popped up to let me know she was home.

I quickly replied to her to thank her for letting me know she was alright before sliding my phone into my pocket as headlights shone across my car. I stepped out with my bat in hand, flipping Turbo off as he flashed his lights at me multiple times before switching the engine off, plunging us into darkness.

He stepped out, the sound of gravel under his shoes as he approached and the moonlight bright enough to see the shape of him in the dark. “Donovan.”

“Lavaro,” I answered, leaning back against my car. “What can I help you with?”

“We’ve got a tiny problem,” he grumbled, resting his butt against the car beside me, mimicking my pose. “A Slick kind of problem.”

“What’s the fucker done now?”

“He’s joined up with one of the car enthusiast groups. A bunch of V8 and performance car pricks. You know those assholes from that big joint car meet we did last year?”

I nodded, my teeth grinding. “Yeah. They do meet-ups in Briar Falls and Blackwater, right?”