Page 202 of Fragments

Byron’s lips twitch, but he forces it away, clenching his jaw tight on purpose to avoid showing any amusement.

“Ren.” Lex jabs me with his elbow. “Enough.”

“I’m just saying, it’d be cute!” I keep going, watching Byron’s face for any sign that I’m getting through to him. But he’s still actively pretending he doesn’t hear me. “Or are you more of a Grimace man?”

“I’m not in the mood,” he growls, speeding up to walk ahead of us.

My gaze narrows at his back. “What the fuck is up with him?”

“I don’t know…” Lex sighs, uneasily. “He’s been this way since O’Malley. You think he’s still pissed you stood up for Darcey that day in the showers?”

“Excuse me, webothstood up for Darcey,” I mutter, and he rolls his eyes. “I don’t fucking know, he still talks to you. Why don’t you find out what his deal is?? He’s been acting all whiny goth-kid around me for months.”

“I feel bad,” Lex murmurs.

Sloping my chin in his direction, I pout at how goddamn adorable and sweet and just overflowing with loving empathy he is. “Of course you do, beautiful boy.”

“Ren, I’m serious,” he grumbles, though his cheeks are flushed. “Try thinking about someone other than you and me for a change. He’s probably feeling like a third wheel. You and I are… whatever we are, his best friend is dead… He’s all alone.”

“So you’re saying he’s… jealous?” My stomach flips. “Of us??”

Lips twisting into an elated smile, I gaze off into space while my chest opens like a bloom. I’ve never had a relationship that someone wasjealousof before…Okay, I’ve never had a relationship at all. But the idea that Byron might actually be envying what I’ve got going on?

It’s basically the eighth world wonder.

All those years ago, watching guys holding hands, coveting what they had… And nowIhave it.

I never thought something like this was possible for someone like me. But it is… It’s happening, now. In real time.

I’m in love with Lexington Deon, and I think he just might love me back.

Sure, he hasn’t said it yet. He says helovesmy ass, and my mouth, and how beautiful I look when I’m riding him. But he won’t say the words,I love you, Renout loud, in an effort to protect himself.

Because as good as things are going between us, we’re still just wandering through the rubbled remains of the devastating hurricane of our past, attempting to slowly rebuild.

I’m sure he’ll say it, eventually.Maybe when I manage to get him those fireworks…

Lex is still talking about Byron, and of course I’m listening to him, but I’m still reeling from the idea that someone might be jealous ofmyrelationship. I’m on cloud nine while we enter the cafeteria, heading up to the chow line while Lex goes to sit down.

I like to get my man’s food for him.I’m chivalrous like that.

Grabbing two trays, I turn to saunter toward our table. I barely get a full step before almost crashing into Officer Brenner.

“Shit…” I grumble. “My bad.”

My spine stiffens when he steadies us both with his hands… on my hips. Dangerously close to my ass.

“No harm, 48.” He winks at me, fingertips subtly slinking down to my butt before he lets me go. But not without first tapping my chin with his knuckles.

Bleh… Look at this idiot.

My stomach is rolling as I spin away from him quick, muttering, “Fuck off.”

I make a beeline to the table and plop down next to Lex with a frustrated breath, shoving the tray in his direction.

“You okay?” he asks me quietly.

I’m afraid to make eye contact, because I know he saw what just happened.