Page 47

CHAPTER 46

I SHOULD BE terrified, but instead I’m just pissed .

“Did you bring your daddy’s toy to school for show and tell?” I ask mockingly.

He jabs it harder into my ribs. I wince involuntarily.

“I brought it as a warning,” he growls.

I look him in the eye like I’m daring him to shoot. “Never pull out a weapon you aren’t ready to use.”

“I was born ready.”

I really, truly can’t stand this kid. “You were born a helpless, stupid baby”—I grab his wrist and twist it so the gun’s pointing at him now—“and you haven’t changed a bit.” Then I drive my heel down onto the small bones on the top of his foot at the same time as I crash my elbow into his solar plexus with all my strength. He gasps and bends over, nearly dropping his weapon. I take my chance and run, bursting into the gym just as the final bell rings.

Okay, maybe that wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done. But it felt great. And I guess I have a triumphant smirk on my face, because when I see Waylon in the hallway, he says, “What do you look so happy for? You just have to come back here again tomorrow.”

We join the stream of kids heading outside.

“Mac Hardy,” I tell him. “He keeps forgetting that he shouldn’t mess with me.”

Waylon stops and grabs my shoulders. “Kai,” he says, “ you shouldn’t mess with him .”

I bristle. “He’s the one who keeps coming at me!” I say.

“Then do a better job of dodging him,” Waylon says.

I snort. “What are you so worried about? I can take care of myself.”

“I’m sure you can,” Waylon says. “But I still want you to keep away from Mac—or any other Hardy.”

I wonder if he’s somehow heard about my little fight with Mac’s dad, even though I only told Lucy. “Fine,” I say, just to end the conversation. “The next time I see Mac Hardy, I’ll just run away like a little deer.”

“Good,” he says. “Now do you want to go get ice cream? I can fit you on the back, and Holo on the handlebars.”

I look from him to his bike. “You’re joking,” I say. I hesitate. “Right?”

He laughs. “Of course I’m joking. I’m dangerous, but I’m not insane.” Then he steps closer to me, and his voice gets softer. Flirtier. “I can make two trips if you need your brother as a chaperone.”

I can’t take it when he stands this near to me. I just want to pull him closer. I breathe in his scent of soap and leather.

I don’t know how this works.

I don’t know how to be a regular girl.

“I have to go,” I say abruptly. “Lacey’s still in the hospital and Holo and I—we’re supposed to help out at the diner.” Does it matter that it isn’t true? No. I madly motion my brother, who’s just coming out of school. Hurry!

“Okay,” Waylon says, looking disappointed. “I get it.”

He walks away, his shoulders hunched.

But he’s wrong. He doesn’t get it.

I’ve never felt this way before, and I’m scared.