“Yeah. I live outside the city.”
“Where do you go to school?” Zoey asked.
My face began to heat. I was embarrassed to admit that I didn’t go to a school. It made me sound weird.
“I—uh—I used to go to Sacred Heart,” I muttered, hoping they wouldn’t press farther.
“Rich kid,” Jax muttered under his breath which turned to a groan when Zoey elbowed him in the ribs. “What was that for?”
“That was mean.” She stuckher tongue out, and I laughed.
“Technically, we’re rich kids too.” Zane’s eyes narrowed until an evil smirk crossed his lips. “You’re just jealous because Zoey’s giving somebody else attention.”
I watched the three of them banter quietly. A feeling of longing settled in my belly. I wanted what they had, even if I had no idea what it was exactly.
My dad walked in a few minutes later, and I wanted to be sick. His face was red, hair disheveled, and his jaw clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might break. “Maddox,” his voice boomed across the room, making me jump, “do you know how worried I’ve been? How the hell did you get here?”
My head dropped as guilt and remorse washed over me. I knew better, but I—I don’t know. “Jewel brought me,” I whispered.
“Of fucking course,” he muttered. “You know you’re not allowed to go anywhere with anyone without permission.
“She told me you said it was okay.” My head continued to hang lower, my shoulders hunched forward because I knew better.
“Dammit, Maddox.”
“Trey, maybe you should take this home.” I looked up to find another man standing behind him with his hand on my dad’s shoulder. I knew it was Zoey and Zane’s dad because their mom stood next to him. I just didn’t know how they knew my dad, but kids seldom know all the ins and outs of their parents’ lives.
“Yeah.” My dad said, extending his hand to the other man. “You’re right. Good to see you, David.”
They shared a few words, mostly sympathies about my mom before we all parted ways. I watched as they walked toward their cars with sadness and so much envy. Zoey turned before she climbed into the backseat with a slight wave, making my chest squeeze. I wished we could be friends, but I knew it was unlikely.
The ride home with my dad was so silent it made my heart race at unimaginable speed. I was nauseous, and it hurt to breathe, but I worked hard to hide it, refusing to meet his gaze. Yelling would have been better. At least then, I wouldn’t have to wonder what he was thinking.
When we walked into the house, his hand gripped the back of my neck in a firm hold. I knew I wouldn’t wonder for much longer what my punishment would be. I steeled myself for the lecture I knew would come along with the belt on my ass.
But the lecture and spanking never came.
“Maddox, go to your room.” His tone left no room for argument even while his eyes stayed firmly fastened on Jewel.
I went upstairs quickly, but as soon as I knew they wouldn’t notice, I slipped down the back stairway.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Dad demanded. “You know you can’t see him, much less take him, if I am not here.”
“Why are you so upset? He’s fine, Trey.” I recognized the flippancy in her tone and cringed, knowing it would piss Dad off even more.
“Goddammit, Jewel! Don’t you stop to consider what could’ve happened to him?” he yelled even louder. “You know what? It doesn’t matter because you are no longer welcome here.”
“I have a right to see him. He’s—”
“No! You have no rights. What you had was a privilege, and that privilege has been revoked.”
“You can’t do that!” she shrieked loudly.
My heart was racing, not that it ever really slowed. I hated that everyone always seemed to argue about me. I didn’t know how to stop it. How to be better.
“Jewel, you are my baby sister, and I will always love you, but it is my job to protect him, even if that’s from you. I mean it. I’m done. You are not welcome here anymore.”
“I’ll tell him, Trey,” she hissed. “I’ll tell him the truth, and he will hate you.”
