Page 40 of Shattered Pieces

“Wait, who got shot?” I asked, ignoring Marco’s bullshit.

“I did,” he answered, lifting his shirt slightly to show me a bandage. “I’ll have to fill you in when you get out. They got Hunter’s bike though and it went down.”

My eyes frantically ran over both of them, and Hunter put his hand up to calm me.

“We’re fine. You focus on being in here. You really need a prison wife or something.”

I laughed, thinking he was joking, but all three of them watched me with serious expressions.

“You’re not joking?” I asked, and Tyler shook his head.

“You need to buddy up with someone tough. Get in with a crew,” he stated like it made perfect sense.

“I’m not into girls, and I’m with you. I don’t⁠—”

“Listen to me,” he said in a low voice, leaning closer. “You need protection, and we all agree that getting close to someone in here is a good idea.”

“I’m not fucking girls for protection,” I whisper-yelled, and Hunter chuckled.

“You just pick one. Most of the girls Lexi fucks are straight, they just get lonely. Find someone.”

“If you go to prison, will you let random guys bend you over to keep you safe?” I deadpanned, and Marco smirked.

“I absolutely will.”

“Not you, you freaky asshole,” I growled, and he motioned to Tyler.

“Hey, I’m not that bad. I’ve had your man in my bed the whole time you’ve been gone, but I’m a gentleman with him.”

I looked at Tyler, who shrugged. “I don’t like sleeping alone. With Caden gone, Luke and Jensen at Jensen’s house, and Josie off at work a lot, I didn’t really have another option. Besides, I’m trying to help get you out of here too.”

“I’m really glad you’ve got a new bestie, but that doesn’t mean I need to start snuggling the girls in here,” I said dryly, a little relieved to know they were looking out for Tyler, especially if Caden had turned on him too.

“Tell me about what you’ve been up to. I want to know everything,” Tyler insisted, and I chuckled before filling them in, being quiet so the guards couldn’t use any of it if they listened on the cameras.

We got a five minute warning, my chest tightening at knowing they were about to leave. It must have shown on my face because Hunter gave my hand a squeeze.

“We’ll keep looking for a way to get you out. Hold on for me, okay? Josie loves you, and she’ll be here tomorrow. Focus on making friends, doing your school work, and staying out of trouble. You’ll be okay.”

“You’ll come back soon, right?” I asked, hating to sound needy, but I hated being cut off from everyone.

“Promise. We’ll come back next week. We’re keeping your commissary topped up, courtesy of Josie, so you can make calls and buy stuff. If you get low, let us know.” I nodded, getting to my feet when he did so I could give him a hug. It was a firm hug, his hand going to the back of my head to keep me close. “I’ll get you out of here as soon as I can.”

He stepped back so Tyler could hug me, and I gave him a kiss and took his face in my hands.

“You stick with them. You can visit whenever you want, okay? Don’t drive up alone though, it’s not safe,” I warned, and he gave me a kiss back.

“I’ll be careful. Be safe. Fuck some girls, okay?”

“No,” I growled, making him grin.

“I’m teasing. But seriously, find someone for protection. If they snuggle or fuck good, that’s just a bonus.”

I didn’t swat him and risk getting tackled by the guards, but I really fucking wanted to.

Marco stood, not hiding his wince too well as his bullet wound must have hurt. I hesitated before stepping towards him, and he smirked as he brought me closer for a hug.

“That’s better. Stop getting in trouble, Hunter lost his mind when he couldn’t come and visit.” He went to step back but I held on a little tighter, not wanting this to be over. Once I let him go, they’d leave. “Hey. You’ll be fine, Princess. We’ve got your guys and Josie, don’t worry.”