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“What is it with you guys?” I grumbled, stepping back. “What I want is to go to school and pass my final year.”
“So you can leave us?” Tobias' gaze narrowed, that thunderous look taking over.
“No, you idiot.” I gave him a playful slap. “So I can get a damn job and actually be, you know, worthwhile in society.”
“Fuck society,” Tobias growled.
“On that, I tend to agree,” Nick added. “Fuck society.”
I gave a deep sigh and crossed my arms. “That’s fine for you to say. Now, are you going to drive me to school, Nick, or do I have to drive your Jeep again, Tobias?”
“Christ, no,” he snapped, then winced and corrected himself. “If you’re determined to go, then Nick will take you. But one fucking glimpse of Gio or any of those fuckers, and I want you to call me instantly. You got that?”
I nodded.
“I mean it, Ryth. No more fucking stunts.”
“I got it,” I muttered as a cramp clenched once more.
Nick drove me in silence, pulled up at the drop-off zone, and scanned the nearby cars before nodding. “I’m going to be close anyway,” he said. “So, anyone gives you a hard time, I want you to message me.”
“I understand.” I gripped my laptop and yanked the door handle.
“And Ryth,” he added as I climbed out. “I’m proud of you, princess. You handled yourself well last night and now today.”
I gave him a small smile and nodded, closed the door behind me, and turned to the school’s entrance. I wouldn’t buckle and I sure as hell wouldn’t fall. The deep throb of the Mustang’s engine echoed behind me as I strode to the front doors. The students hanging around outside stared as I walked, like I knew they would.
But this time, I held my head up.
After all…I was now a Banks.
FORTY-FOUR
ryth
No one spoke to me.Not in first period, at least. I glanced at the empty seat where Gio usually sat, with my heart in the back of my throat. Flashes of memories came roaring back to me as the teacher called for quiet. The attack last night. Mom’s wedding. I pressed my hand against the sting on my head as mom’s voice echoed.
He just needs time, that’s all, honey. He’s fine…you trust me, right?
She'd lied to me.
But why?
She had to know about dad stealing…
Is he dead?Lazarus’ words came rushing back to me.
No. No, he wasn’t dead and I wasn't naive enough to think the Rossis didn’t have reach in prison. I forced the panicked thoughts aside and tried to concentrate on class. I had my last year to finish, that’s what I could control right now, even if the rest of my life was chaos.
Someone cleared their throat.“Bitch.”
I stilled with the word.
“Brother fucker.”
My throat turned arid as heat crept into my cheeks.
“Filthy fucking cunt.”
