Chapter 8

The bell signaling the end of homeroom rang. Before heading to our first period, however, they took me to meet our homeroom teacher so she would know who I was. As we walked to our first class, I noticed that everyone's eyes were on us—more specifically, on me as the new girl.

It quickly became apparent that I was hanging out with the 'bad group' Brady had mentioned. It wasn't hard to figure out; Cash was there with the enigmatic 'Six', and that confirmed it for me. I was puzzled about how Sunny fit in until she explained that her relationship with Cash made her part of the group, and she was the only girl—until now.

I realized that these four had already adopted me into their circle, regardless of whether their 'leader' approved or not. Admittedly, this revelation left me a bit unnerved, especially considering Brady’s story about the guy who had fired an actual gun at his house—six times, no less.

I hadn’t met Six yet, but the thought of him was enough to send shivers down my spine. For all I knew, I might have passed by him without realizing it, though something told me I'd recognize him if I did see him.

"And here we are, my favorite place: mini hell," Cash announced as we arrived at the cafeteria. It was lunchtime, and my morning had gone surprisingly well.

We entered and headed straight for a table that must be theirs, given where everyone was going. I followed them, feeling braver with each step. I was starting to get used to the attention and didn't mind it as much anymore. Even Brady seemed pleased, giving me a thumbs up from across the room.

"Looks like someone's giving their approval," Wesley noted, clearly spotting Brady's thumbs up.

"Is it wrong for him to do that?" I asked, curious.

"Totally wrong," Sunny confirmed with a nod.

"Why? What's the issue?" I asked, starting to panic.

"We're considered the 'bad guys' for good reasons, Lillian. Didn't your brother tell you about all the rumors surrounding us? Except most of those aren't just rumors," Wesley explained seriously.

"And you're not kidding?" I asked, seeking confirmation.

"Nope," they all shook their heads.

I paused for a moment before responding, "Okay."

"Okay?" they echoed, confused by my simple acceptance.

"Yep, okay," I nodded.

"Either there's something very off with you, or... well, there's definitely something off with you," Sunny giggled.

"I'd say both apply," I agreed with a laugh.

"Six is going to have a field day with this," Cash chuckled.

"By the way, where is he?" I asked.

"You know who he is?" Wesley questioned.

"Not a clue! But I've heard of him and those gunshots," I replied.

"Oh yeah, about that. He's tied up with something else but should be in later. Has anyone seen Bridgette?" Cash asked.

"She called in sick today," Sunny answered.

"How do you know that?" I asked her.

"We have a Student Body meeting today. According to the rules, she has to inform me if she can't attend, so she called to let me know," Sunny explained.

"She's likely hiding from Six," Lillian chuckled.

"After what she did on Saturday, it wouldn't be surprising if he wanted to throttle her," Wesley sighed.

"What exactly happened?" I ventured to ask.

"The guys left last Tuesday for some business and were supposed to return Sunday, but they came back early. Bridgette thought she could throw a party at Six's house without him finding out," Sunny explained.

"But wouldn’t she have been caught eventually? People would still be talking about it," I pointed out.

Wesley laughed. "Bridgette never thinks that far ahead."

"That's not very nice," I said, trying not to laugh.

"It's also true," they all laughed. I couldn't help but join in.

Lunch passed quickly, and soon we were heading back to class. I realized I had forgotten a book in my locker and rushed to get it. As I leaned against the locker next to mine, checking my schedule on the locker door, I felt warm breath near my face.

"Move."

Startled, I jumped and flung the heavy calculus textbook in my hand backward. I heard a grunt and turned around to see the person behind me now bent over, clutching part of his face.

"Oh God! I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed in panic.

Then he looked up.

The first thing I noticed was his short, dark hair, smooth and inviting. My eyes moved down to his chiseled jawline and broad shoulders. Unconsciously, I was biting my lip as I took in the Adonis before me. His arm tensed, drawing my attention to the amber eye he was now covering.

It was him.