Page 36 of Shattered Pieces

“Doesn’t matter. Don’t fuck her over.”

I turned in my seat, giving her a dirty look. “I won’t. I know everyone thinks I’m some kind of backstabbing snake, but I’m not.”

“All people know about you is what they saw on TV when you got arrested. Can’t blame them for thinking it,” she tsked, and we smoked in silence for a while until Tilly motioned for me to join them.

“Is this a damned if I do but damned if I don’t situation?” I asked dryly, not sure what to do.

“Absolutely. You’re a bitch if you don’t, but half those girls still hate you, so be careful,” Jamie answered as I got to my feet.

“Thanks,” I muttered, walking over to the others. Jamie was right, some were happy I joined, while others gave me dirty looks.

It started peacefully, people passed me the ball back and forth, a few even whistling when I scored for the team. Until one of the other girls decided it was a problem that I was winning and decided to trip me.

I landed on my ass, glaring up at her and contemplating beating the hell out of her, but I couldn’t go back in the hole and ruin visitation again. She gave me a knowing grin, and I was a little bit surprised when one of the other girls shoved her for me.

“Are you good?” Tilly asked as she held a hand out to pull me to my feet, and I took it, eyeing the two girls that were now nose-to-nose in an argument.

“I’m fine.” I didn’t particularly want to get between the drama, but the girl on my team had stepped in to defend me. I didn’t want her getting in trouble. “Hey, she’s not worth it.”

The bitch that pushed me turned her narrowed eye to me. “The fuck did you say?”

“I said, you’re not worth it. If you can’t handle losing, maybe try winning instead,” I suggested, moving closer and tapping my defender’s arm. “C’mon, fuck her. The guards are watching anyway.”

They were all keeping an eye on us, and the girl finally huffed and took two steps back. “You’re right.”

I somehow de-escalated the situation, the team I was on abandoning the game to avoid more conflict, and Tilly gave me a thumbs up when they all invited me to sit with them across the yard.

“So, Donovan. What’s with you and the gang members? Were you really screwing the enemy of your boyfriend?” one asked, getting elbowed by one of the others to shut up.

I scrunched my nose, and Tilly winced. “Girl, tell her to fuck off.”

“I just want to know the truth,” the girl huffed, but I rolled my eyes.

“No, I wasn’t cheating on him with his enemy. You won’t believe me, which is fine, but that’s the truth. Hunter’s just a friend.”

“So, he’s single?” another grinned, waggling her eyebrows and making snickers go around the group. The thought of any of them touching him made me want to throw hands.

“Yep. Don’t think he’s into dating,” I answered instead.

“I miss cock,” my defender grumbled, a round of laughter and agreement going around. They started telling stories about all the sex they used to have, and I chuckled along but kept mine to myself. The less they knew about me, the better.

I glanced across the yard to see Lexi, Kat, and Jamie with a few other girls, Lexi’s eyes on me. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking, but hopefully, she was just glad to see no one beating each other up for once.

Lunch was finally called, and everyone made a beeline for the cafeteria. A few of the girls invited me and Tilly to sit with them, and it felt strange to be sitting in a social group while we ate.

It was peaceful, no drama starting for once, and I relaxed a little as conversation flowed.

“You’re getting visitation tomorrow, right?” Tilly asked me, and I picked at my food with a nod.

“Yep.”

“Who is it?”

Everyone seemed to be interested in that, and I narrowed my eyes. “Why?

“I was just wondering,” Tilly grimaced, but one of the other girls grinned.

“Is it one of those hunky boyfriends of yours? I’m surprised you’re not having withdrawals. I bet you got laid every day.”