Page 13 of Grace of Spades

I rush through a shower and slide into my uniform and thigh rig before anyone else makes it to the locker room. I walk out into the hall and make my way to my locker. Where Alek is leaning against my locker looking away from me.

"Excuse me." I smile making him startle. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." I joke trying to keep my voice light.

"It's all good." He mutters turning pink. "I wanted to talk to you."

"About?"

"Your tattoo." Shit. Playdumb.

"Which one?"

"The spade." Fuck.

"Oh? It's one of my favourite. I do wish I had put it somewhere else though..." I laugh. He gives me a thoughtful look and smiles.

"Yeah, it's cute. It reminds me of something else though. I just can't put my finger on it." He lies.

"Huh." I shrug.

"What other tattoos do you have?" He asks.

"I have a bird tattoo."

"Where?" He presses eagerly, losing a bit of his cool.

"Under my tits," I say shortly putting my hands on my hips. "What the hell is going on?"

"Nothing, sorry." He mutters before walking away. I shake my head. That was too fucking close. Of course, someone recognized it on my first day. It's just my luck. I'll have to keep an eye on Alek.

"Did I hear that you have your tits tattooed?" I hear from behind me. I turn to see Kennedy grinning.

"Just under them." I laugh.

"What was that about?" She asks nodding towards Alek's retreating form.

"He was being weird." I shrug. Not a lie.

"Whatever, let's go." She says leading me to her car and I call Rudy on the way to Andras' place.

"Hey Rudy, it's me."

"Hey, Gracie. What's up? Ray didn't see you last night. Or today." That's all I needed to hear. Ray is worried.

"I'm fine. Shit went down with my parents and the police had me shipped off to the good part of town. I'm safe. Tell Ray to chill before he does something stupid." I hear Kennedy chuckle beside me.

"Good. I'm glad you're okay. You happy?" He asks in father mode.

"It's an adjustment," I admit.

"I bet. What part of town are you in?"

"High class."

"Well, shit. Big adjustment."

"Yep. I'll come to visit soon."

"Alright. Fight night on Friday."