Page 70 of We Are Yours

“Julius…” she lured, holding my arm, placing it in her lap. “You know it’s not like that between us.”

“No,” I countered. “I don’t. This is the first time we’re having a discussion. I don’t know anything about you. At this point, Kraven knows more than I do.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me.”

“Why?”

“Because I care about you.”

“I care about you, too,” she exclaimed, turning to face me. “You’re the only reason I’m okay right now, and I’ve never been okay, Julius. You mean more to me than anyone ever has. I have absolutely no idea where I’d be if it weren’t for you and your kindness. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me and everything you continue to do.” She grabbed my face, staring deep into my eyes.

As if on cue, Kraven cleared his throat. “I hate to interrupt this Hallmark moment, but I’d like to talk to my brother. In private.”

Isla’s hands fell away, and I immediately missed her touch.

“And you choose now?” I bit out, standing, bringing her with me.

“We’re like passing ships these days,” he reminded. “Gotta jump aboard when I can.”

She peered back and forth between us. “Please don’t kill each other.”

I watched her leave, and as soon as she was gone, I questioned, “How’s the lip?”

He scoffed. “You hit like a bitch.”

I chuckled. I couldn’t help it. “You put ice on it? We don’t need your teachers thinking?—”

“That you didn’t sucker punch me.”

I let him have that, then requested, “What do you want?”

“I just wanted to make sure we’re good.”

“We will be if you tell me what mess you got yourself into?”

“It’s fine.”

“What is?”

“Nothing.”

“That’s not very reassuring.”

“Yeah.” He smiled, holding up two fingers. “Scout’s honor.”

“You’re the furthest thing from a Boy Scout, Kraven, and I’m done getting slapped in the face with your latest stunt.”

“Yeah, I get it.”

“Do you? Or are you just trying to blow off this conversation like you do everything else?”

“How about you stop digging my grave even deeper, and I’ll take care of anything that happens, okay?”

“So, no calls from your teachers? Parents? Principal? And definitely no calls from CPS, right?”

“Yeah, then we’re off to see the wizard,” he mocked.