Page 39 of Shattered Pieces

“You’re crashing with him? Why?”

Hunter shot him a dirty look, my chest tightening when he blew out a breath and met my gaze.

“A lot’s going down right now, babe. I don’t really have good news for you, but I need you to not freak out on me and get dragged away. Clear?”

“What does that mean? What happened? Have you and Skeet been struggling to get me out? What’s taking so long?” I demanded, and he winced.

“Be calm,” he said firmly before continuing. “I’ve been trying to get you out of here, but it’s difficult since there’s a witness. I have no idea who, they’re keeping it super quiet.”

“Skeet has contacts. Surely⁠—”

“Babe,” he sighed, pity on his face. “Skeet’s not trying to help you. He thinks you betrayed him.”

“What?” I asked, not sure I heard him correctly. “Skeet knows I wouldn’t do that.”

“The Psychos want you dead, and Skeet’s more than happy for it to happen. He’s being irrational, which makes him dangerous. I’m handling it, but he’s not listening.”

Hurt filled me as I stared back at him, my mind reeling. Skeeter had turned on me?

“Diesel?” I asked desperately, and Hunter reached out to pat my hand.

“Diesel and Brick believe you, but Skeet’s really lost it. Diesel can’t contact you, or Skeet’s going to literally kill him. He wanted you to know he’s trying to get him to change his mind, and he’s on your side. He’s really missing you.”

“What the fuck do I do? I need Skeet’s protection in here,” I said, a flicker of panic hitting me. “Hunter, most of the girls hate me in here. Without Skeet⁠—”

“Fuck Skeet. I’m trying to get something in place, but we don’t have any girls in here right now. Lex is being nice, right?”

“She punched me when I met her, but we agreed to avoid each other.”

“Why did she punch you? I told her not to hurt you.”

“She has her reasons, but we’re over it,” I shrugged, eyeing Tyler. “When are the others coming to visit?”

He looked nervous, flicking his gaze to Hunter before answering me. “Luke and Jense are coming tomorrow with Josie.”

“Caden?”

The pit inside me only got worse when he winced.

“Caden’s been staying with Skeet. He’s kind of snapped too,” he said carefully. “Luke and Jense at least want to hear your side before making a decision.”

“They all think I was sleeping with Hunter?” I asked in disbelief.

“And Marco.”

“Ew, gross,” I huffed, crossing my arms. “And you? What do you think?”

“I don’t think you were, but I wouldn’t give a shit if you were anyway. I love you, and you love me. That’s all I care about,” he replied, and Marco scoffed.

“What do you mean ew? You look at me like I’m a tall glass of cool water on a hot summer’s day the second I take my shirt off. You’d climb me like a tree if you could.”

I laughed, glancing at Hunter. “Is he fucking serious?”

From the way Hunter scrubbed a hand over his face, I knew this was something he’d been hearing a lot of.

“We’re not discussing this.”

“Why not? We’re running around getting shot because of her, which I’m totally okay with if she lets me smash,” Marco said with a grin.