Page 46 of Shattered Pieces

“I’m trying to get you out, honey. Are you eating properly?”

“The food’s pretty good, actually. Not as good as Karl’s, but better than the cup noodles I grew up on,” I chuckled. “Thanks for keeping my money topped up.”

“You’re welcome. The school said you’ve been handing your work in. You’ve been finding time then? Your new subjects aren’t too hard?”

“The warden is all for education. She gives me time in the library on my own to focus, but I do a lot in my cell when I’m bored too. It’s actually good for passing the time. I’m struggling a little bit, but I’ll figure it out.”

“I’m glad. You’ve made some friends?”

“There’s a few girls in my block that are nice.”

“Who did you fight with? I can try and get you placed into another block if⁠—”

“No, thank you,” I said quickly. “It was a misunderstanding. I’m safer in my block than if I moved. I’m not really liked in here, but I have some protection.”

She frowned but nodded, and Lukas blew out a breath. “Can you tell me what happened? With Hunter? He said nothing was going on, but⁠—”

“I promise, I’ve never touched Hunter or Marco,” I cut in, and I hated the way he looked at me. Like he wasn’t sure if my words held the truth or not.

“Whatever he tells you is true. I can’t talk about it in here. The cameras can twist my words and be used against me in court,” I said carefully, not wanting to sound like I was guilty, but needing him to know why I wasn’t answering.

He deflated a little but seemed to understand, his hand reaching out to take mine and giving it a small squeeze.

“Why are you guys staying at Jensen’s? Are you icing Ty out?” I asked, and Jensen winced.

“We’re not icing him out. He’s just buddied up with Marco and Hunter, and we don’t appreciate seeing them.”

“They did nothing wrong.”

“Doesn’t mean we have to like them.”

“Why has Caden cut him off? If he wants to be angry at me, sure, whatever, but why Ty? He just left him alone,” I said with irritation, and Josie winced.

“He’s got big emotions right now. It’s probably better that he takes some time to process them away from everyone. Being around Skeet is making it worse though, but he won’t listen to me. He comes home, stomps around and picks fights, then leaves again.”

“I honestly thought Skeet and Caden would be the two that would believe me the easiest,” I muttered, and Jensen sighed.

“Things are messy right now. We’ll deal with it when you’re home.”

“No trouble from the Soldiers?” I asked, and he shook his head.

“They’ve gone quiet now you’re in here. No idea if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

“For now, it’s good. If something happens, call Hunter. I know you don’t like him, but⁠—”

“I know, baby,” Jensen murmured, leaning back in his chair. “Tell us about your new friends.”

I had no idea what Tyler had told them, so I started at the beginning, our time coming to an end way too soon.

It hurt just as badly as yesterday when I hugged them goodbye and walked away, swallowing down the emotions as I made my way back to my cell. I could tell Lukas and Jensen were still a little reserved about their opinions of me right now, but at least they didn’t hate me like Caden and Skeeter seemed to.

I made it to my cell and shut the door, needing a second to myself. My chest ached, and I took a few deep breaths to try and smother whatever tears were building. I was a strong bitch, I could handle this shit.

I spun around when the door opened, finding Lexi eyeing me.

“Get out,” I growled, but she just stood there.

“What happened?” she finally asked, and I moved towards her, giving her a shove back out.