Page 114 of Shadowman

Today, I’m knackered, and cranky to boot.

Not in the mood for cuffs or shackles, or cold showers or grouchy guards or sitting alone at a cafeteria table, staring at the most depressing dinner ever, like Beefaroni and a juice box.

Truthfully, I should be so lucky, because that’s by far one of the least disgusting meals they provide here—a fact that’s sad in its own right.

Despite how unenthusiastic I am, I have no choice but to endure the miserable monotony. Though there isoneshining beacon of light amidst the darkness…

Byron Kang.A neon color when everything else is drab.

I don’t even register who else is at his table, or what they’re doing… I’m too busy studying the lines of Byron’s face, the downward curve of his lips, and the way the bottom one is jutting out the tiniest bit in a pout that I both love and hate at the same time.

Why is he so sad? Don’t get me wrong, it looks good on him, but still. I want to choke the life out of whatever, or whomever, is making him so gloomy.

But then I notice it. The thing that’s most certainly responsible for his angst… A fresh-faced and timid-lookingbespectacled master of camouflage known as Felix Darcey, who’s parked right across from my sexy fighter.

Noteveryonethinks that adorable freakshow is so great. At least I have one person on my side.

Felix Darcey haters club, right here.

The others are clearly welcoming of The Carver’s presence. But the hot angry boy isnot, and I don’t blame him. He said his friends—Luthor and Ren—don’t care about The Carver murdering his other friend, confirmed by the way they’re chatting and laughing with the doe-eyed doctor-stealer.

The rest of the meal is spent with me watching Byron while trying not to be super obvious. For some odd reason, Joy allows him and his mates to use her cellphone, and I’m quite curious to know who they’re speaking to…Someone important, I assume.

My curiosity is overpowered, though, when I note something in the looks and smiles between Byron and Officer Jameson… I can’t be certain, but it seems flirtatious, reminiscent of a possible fling.

She’s the one who gave him Skittles the other day… If that isn’t a sign that two people have bumped uglies, then I don’t know what is.

My mood sours at the thought. I can barely even enjoy toying with The Carver by locking eyes and waving at him.

Before I know it, we’re all being herded back.Felix, the golden child,is already gone, most likely cozying up with Dr. Love somewhere in the East Wing…

Why does he get to have unlimited prison sleepovers??I’mmates with the Warden, for fuck’s sake.

Meanwhile, Byron is walking behind his friends, head down, shoulders hunched. He just looks toosad… And while I’m certain associating with me will only ruin himmorein the long run, I’m too enamored by him to stay away.

Inching up behind him, I whisper, “Why the long face?”

He jumps a foot in the air. It’s hysterical.

“Fuck, man…” He sighs, shaking his head. “You gotta stop doing that.”

“Or you should be paying more attention to your surroundings.” I lift an accusatory brow. “Isn’t that part of thefightertraining?”

He glowers at me, andmother of god, is it sexy. “Yea, well… You’re surprisingly nimble. Like a…”

“Kitten?” I grin, and he squints.

“I was gonna say squirrel, but sure. We can go with yours.”

I chuckle, then bite my lip. “So, who were you speaking to on the phone?”

Byron’s face goes momentarily nervous, but he covers it up. “No one.”

“If you say so.” I huff.

He gives me a slightly narrowed look, lips twitching.That expression is downright lethal.

His eyes fall to my mouth, and my dick moves. “Cut’s almost gone, huh?”