Page 31 of Fragments

Choosing to end the moping, I turn to Byron. “Have you thought any more about the piece on your shoulder?”

His eyes slide to mine, and he raises a dark brow, but says nothing.

“I got a bunch of new ink and stuff,” I keep going. “If you wanted me to work on it some more, I could…”

“I’m good,” he grunts, going back to his sandwich.

Shifting, I steeple my fingers on the table.

Okay… I guess he’s mad at me too. Great.

My chin lifts. “What about you?” I reach across the table, grazing a finger along Lex’s wrist. “Is it finally ink time?”

He jerks his arm away. “Fuck off, Ren. We’re not in the mood.”

“So we’re just gonna sit in silence, then?” I slump in my seat. “This place is boring enough as it is without everyone going all emo on me.”

Lex glares. “I know this is hard for you to comprehend, since you don’t care about anything, but I’m worried about Dash.”

My jaw tightens. “Alright… him worrying about Kieran I get.” I nod in Kang’s direction. “They’re close, and Kieran’s been here a while. But you barely know Dash.”

“He’s myfriend,” Lex hisses. “You know what that is, right?? A person you care about without needing anything in return…”

A dull stab happens in my chest, but I ignore it. “Youjustfucking met the kid. And he’s already proving himself to be as moronic as your last cellmate. Grow up.”

Lex grips the edge of the table, shooting me with the sparkling light green in his irises. It’s my favorite color, even when it’s laced with hatred. “He’s new, and he’s scared. We all remember what that’s like. What the fuck is your problem with him, anyway? Worried you might not get the opportunity to screw him over like you do the rest of us?”

Frustration is sizzling in my veins. I shove my tray out of the way and bang my hands down on the table. “Would you be this upset if it wasmedown in the hole??”

Lex tilts his head, holding my gaze. He’s so good at this… fighting my fire with ice. “So you’re jealous?”

“Stop,” I growl under my breath.

He folds his arms over his chest. “That’s rich coming from you.”

My brow lines, mouth hanging open with sudden speechlessness. I know any and all possessiveness I have when it comes to him is irrational. But rationality has never been my strong suit, and where Lexington is concerned, it’s downright impossible.

I’m all mussed-up emotion for the kid with the sea-green eyes.

“Lex, I just want you to—”

“I don’tcarewhat you want, Ren!” he barks. “Jesus, you’re like a tornado! Destroying everything in your path without an ounce of regard for who you mow down. It’s exhausting!”

“Hey!” Velle snaps, stomping over to us. “Cut the shit over here, inmates, or you can continue this piss party in the hole.”

He pins us with one of hisI mean it, don’t fuck with meglares, before turning and stalking off.

I watch him until he’s far enough away, then lean in on the table, whispering, “You can keep blaming me for anything and everything, but you know damn well you’re at fault too. Stop acting so innocent.”

“You’re full of shit,” Lex grumbles. “I never asked you for anything.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“For the love of God, stop with the bickering!” Byron whisper-shouts at us. “You’re both driving me nuts.” He picks up his tray and stands. “Do whatever the fuck you want to each other, but leave me out of it from now on.”

He’s about to leave, but I stop him. “Don’t bother.I’llgo.” Snatching up my tray, I shoot one last look at Lex. “Sit here and be butthurt about the new guy. He deserves your fucking attention, right?”

I storm off in a huff, my heart crawling up into my throat as Lex’s words echo in my head. I’m fucking pissed, and I know it’s stupid. To be jealous of his concern for Dash…