Page 26 of Reckless Vengeance

“It’s nine o’clock.”

“I can see that.”

“Then what are you doing? The school called and asked why you’re absent,” she said, sounding tired.

“Josie—”

“Get home, put your uniform on, and go to school. I’ve excused you from classes for the next hour, but you need to be there after that. I understand you’re dealing with a lot right now, but if you refuse to speak to a professional, then you need to go to school. You’re doing well in your classes right now, don’t fuck that up,” she said carefully. “That means Lukas too. The boys said they dropped him off at Skeeter’s last night.”

“We’ll be there soon,” I grumbled.

“Good. I’m really proud of how far you’ve come, so keep going,” she encouraged, that stupid warm feeling starting in my chest again.

“Thanks. I’ll have coffee first then see if Skeet or Diesel can get us home,” I answered, saying goodbye before hanging up with a sigh. “We’ve been told to move our asses.”

Lukas groaned, draping an arm over his face. “She won’t let us have one more day?”

“No. Well, you could probably get away with it since you’re seeing the counselor,” I joked, pushing the blanket off.

He muttered under his breath as I grabbed one of Skeeter’s shirts to cover myself, before leaving the room to make coffee, both Diesel and Skeeter glancing over as I walked into the kitchen.

“I hate you,” Diesel grunted, making me wince.

“Sorry.”

“No, you’re not,” he huffed, grabbing his coffee to down some.

Skeeter tugged me onto his lap, giving me a quick kiss.

“You and Luke will need to head home. We’re heading to the Shed soon.”

“Josie called to remind us we’re supposed to be at school,” I said as I got comfortable, stealing some of his coffee.

“School might be a safer option. I doubt the Soldiers will go through the academy looking for you,” Diesel stated, not looking at me.

“Don’t go off alone though, just in case,” Skeeter added, looking up at Lukas as he walked in. “Morning, bestie. Are you ready for a fun day of learning?”

“Fuck off,” Lukas grunted, sitting beside us and dropping his head to the table. “I slept like shit.”

“You slept like a rock. You didn’t even wake up when I fucked Rory so hard that you almost jostled straight off the bed,” Skeeter deadpanned as I stood to make coffee.

“Why didn’t you wake me up to join in?” he scowled, looking over at me.

“If you didn’t wake up from what we were doing, nothing would’ve woken you,” I teased, pouring two coffees and bringing him one. He took it and thanked me, then I sat on the vacant chair beside Skeeter with mine.

“What’s today’s meeting about?” I asked lightly, a little surprised when Skeeter actually answered.

“Going over the footage of the attack to prevent it happening a second time. Possible murder plans. Figuring out the funeral.”

“Do you need help? With the funeral?” I offered, his eyes sliding to mine for a second before he shook his head.

“I’ve got it.”

“You’ll let the guys come, right? They’ll sit with me out of the way,” I promised, knowing Tyler needed the closure.

Diesel glanced between us, looking like he was going to say something, but Skeeter cut him off.

“We’ll talk about it later. Right now, you’re late for school and I have a meeting to deal with. Head back to Holloway’s after school. Might be a late one for me, and I don’t want you here alone,” he stated, getting to his feet to rinse his cup.