Page 26 of Vicious Little Snakes

“What the fuck did you just say?” Grey’s already got a hand on my chest, but I’m pushing forward, “Repeat it. I fucking dare you. And then we’ll see how far I can toss your ass.”

Ethan holds his hands up by his face, stepping backward. “Whoa, Liam. No hate, man. It was a joke—obviously, a bad one. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you guys were hooking up.”

Yeah, you fucking idiot, he didn’t know you two were hooking up because you aren’t. Get it together.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to cool, pushing Grey’s hand from me.

“I’m fine. And we’re not. Caroline doesn’t mean shit to me but show some fucking respect. That’s Grey’s family.”

Ethan looks sheepishly to Grey, who’s staring at me. Fuck, this is all I need. Grey’s head swivels to retrack my gaze. He’s not so sure I wasn’t looking either. I look back at my phone, feigning nonchalance, hoping everyone buys it.

Whatever Grey’s debating doesn’t seem to stick because he turns to Ethan, saying, “E, I’d listen to Liam’s advice, or next time I won’t hold him back.”

Damn. That was too close for comfort.

Van’s raspy voice interjects, “Yeah, and don’t talk about girls like that. It’s a bad look, Ethan. Plus, we don’t hate Caroline.” I look up from the screen, right at Van.

It’s the way she says it, like an accusation, that makes my eyes dart away. She keeps her eyes on me, picking at her bracelets. “Do we, Liam?”

Fuck this. Sliding my phone into my pocket, I give Grey a nod.

“I’m out. I’ve got some pressing business.”

He smirks when I motion to a random flock of girls sitting by the stump. I give Van a wink, hauling my duffle over my shoulder, and pat Ethan’s back a little harder than I should before popping a toothpick between my teeth and making a chill goddamn getaway—picture perfect reputation in place.

The irony is it’s a reputation that makes Caroline hate me but also lets me hide in plain fucking sight.

Liam

Past—twelve years old

Grey:You awake?

Liam: Yeah. Did you see?

Grey:Yeah. All her socials are gone.

Liam:Her number is disconnected too. They probably took her phone.

Grey: I don’t care. She’ll be back.

Liam: Dude. Van’s gone.

Grey:Shut up. I mean it.

Liam: I’m scared we aren’t going to see her again.

Grey:I know. But she has to come back. She just has to.

Liam:Don’t tell anyone, k. but I can’t stop crying. And don’t call me a pussy.

Grey:You aren’t. I won’t.

Liam:The messed-up part is she would know how to make us feel better. You know what I mean?

Grey: …..

Grey: …..