Page 104 of Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U)

“I always knew where you were in a crowded room, Sticks. Just like I do now. I know you a lot better than you think.”

I glare at his strong profile. His jaw hinges back and forth, and his fingers tighten on the shifter.

“I know how pissed you are about my dad, and I know you’re afraid out of your mind because of yours being a free man.”

I bite my tongue.

He shifts again, and I fly into the back of the seat.

“I know you just bit your tongue because you hate that I’m right.”

He’s right. He does know me.

I don’t give him the satisfaction of being right, and I refuse to run to him because I’m scared.

The rest of the ride home, I perfect my walls, placing every last brick in place to shut him out.

As soon as the car comes to a stop, I open the door and run inside.

I’m halfway up the stairs when Evan pops up from the couch. “Wren?”

I turn and stare at him over the banister. His brows are furrowed, and he moves his attention from me to Stone. He’s casual with his tie loose and his shirt undone.

Fuck him for looking hot.

“What’s going on?”

“Did you know too?” My stomach drops when I see the guilt on Evan’s face.

Ouch.

“Neither of you talk to me right now.”

“What’s going on?” Taylor asks. He walks down the hall with a bowl of cereal in his hand.

“Taylor, mind if I stay in your room tonight? I would rather not lie in bed with a liar.”

Stone slams the front door, and Taylor makes a quick exit.

“Knock it off, Wren. I get that you’re mad, but stop being stupid.”

“You know what’s stupid?” I seethe. “Thinking that I’d be able to trust you.” I shake my head. “I never should have let you in.”

“Wren,” Evan starts but stops at the sight of my face.

“And you! I expected more from you.”

“We were—”

I hold my hand in the air. “Keeping shit from me isn’t protecting me. It’s making me ignorant! Were you even going to tell me if I didn’t happen to walk in on the conversation?”

“Tell you what?” Evan asks. “Did you tell her that your dad is appealing the case?”

“Appealing?” I laugh. “Try putting that word in the past tense.”

Evan’s face falls, and Stone pinches the bridge of his nose.

“He’s out, Evan.”