It sure as hell wasn’t us. But we couldn’t prove it. All evidence had led to the Abandonatos getting jealous.
And the only person who may have had more answers had just been shot in the head by his one and only son.
Yeah, we were in deep shit.
“Mo…” I cleared my throat. “…just do what he says, alright? We can control security on campus, but outside? It’s more difficult.”
“Not to mention it’s a bitch getting shot at.” Tex chuckled. “Aw, Mo, don’t pull that face. You know I’m kidding. Nothing’s going to happen to us.”
Nixon met my gaze.
We shared the same look.
Because we both understood Tex shouldn’t make promises that all of us knew he wouldn’t be able to keep.
There would be a body count — and we’d be included in it, maybe not tomorrow or the next day, but it would be soon. War between the families had been brewing for too long. The hatred was too great. And the only people capable of bringing them together were Nixon and Frank Alfero, the freaking Capulets and Montagues. Great.
“Look at it this way, sweetheart.” Tex pulled Mo in for a hug. “You can shop online all you want.”
Mo scowled. “What about Trace?”
Nixon let out a growl. “What about her?”
“She’s my roommate. Will you protect her too? Say the worst happens and a family gets in the school… will you protect my roommate? Or is this a selfish thing? Only blood?”
I opened my mouth, but Nixon silenced me with his hand. “We protect blood first, but you have my word… no harm will come to Trace, not if I can help it.”
What the hell? Since when have we cared about a commoner? Since when have we cared about the very girl that Nixon was putting through absolute hell? The girl was probably eating a soy burger right now because of Nixon, and suddenly he goes all Mother Teresa on her? It made no sense. Then again, nothing was making sense anymore.
My feelings for her.
His feelings for her.
The fact that we were both drawn to the wrong thing.
And the fact that one of us was going to eventually crack.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Granola bars are peace offerings. Check.
Nixon
I FELT GUILTY ALL through lunch about giving Trace the red card. She wouldn’t see it as the kindness it was. Eating in the commons would destroy her. At least, in the Red Cafeteria she wouldn’t have to worry about people bullying her. Then again, I couldn’t make promises because I couldn’t predict a damn thing the girl did.
Once lunch ended, I tried to escape my sister’s pensive gaze. Tried and failed. She grabbed my arm and twisted.
“Satan.” She seethed.
“Mo, can we argue later? When I’m not so stressed out I want to shoot things?”
She released my arm and grinned then held out a granola bar.
“Um, thanks, but I just ate?”
“Not you, you ass.” She rolled her eyes. “Trace just texted me. She didn’t eat. She’s hungry. She isn’t like your usual girl who pretends to eat lettuce only to throw it up later. Girl’s going to pass out if she doesn’t get food.”
“And you’re telling me this why?”
“Because you like her.”
I looked away. “Damn twin.”
“Ha, you love me, and, regardless of what’s been going down between you and her and even Chase…” She shook her head. “…I like her. She’s my roommate, she has no friends, and every single odd has been stacked against her. Yet she wakes up every day with a smile on her face and tries to encourage me, of all people. She makes me want to be better, and the sad thing? I think you know it. I think you’re so damn scared of your own feelings that you’re using family shit to force your hand. This is the real world. You’re an adult. So here.”
I took the granola bar and stared at it like it was some weird foreign object.
“Peace offering.” Mo slapped me on the back. “If you wait by the lab, she’ll be walking by in a few minutes.”
“Are you matchmaking?”
“Course not.” Mo winked. “Oh, and PS, think I could bring Tex by the house when I talk to Dad?”
“Talk to Dad?” I repeated. “Why the hell would you want to do that?”
Her face fell. “Well, I thought he gave us his blessing.”
“He’s not well, Mo. He’s… dying.” Wow great lie. “It might be best for you to wait.”
“But what about the family dinner?”
“Let me get back to you, okay?” I forced a cheesy grin and kissed her on the forehead. “And thanks for the granola bar.”
“Yeah well, when you’re being an ass, I’m the only one you’ll listen to.”