Page 94 of Perfect Sin

“I guess we’re going to class,” I grumble.

“Not alone though.” Ted slips through the crowd. “The doctor cleared me to come back to class.”

“The timing couldn’t be better,” Lucien remarks. “Wait for me after class?”

They stand awkwardly looking at each other. It’s clear whatever they are in private, they aren’t ready to present their truth to the world. We’ll stand behind them whatever they decide to do.

I expect Ted to slip back into the goofy persona he wore as a mask when we met him. Instead he allows everyone to see the cold killer he was raised to be. People move out of our way, sensing the threat he poses. A few people stare, but most wisely avert their eyes.

Ted is a complicated guy, not easily dismissed as a jokester or a killer, because he’s both. His humor might be darker than he usually lets people see, but he’s not as ruthless as he lets on either. Like us, he’s a patchwork of coping mechanisms. Still, he’s capable of extreme violence, and not for the first time, I’m glad he’s an ally not an enemy.

We slip into the classroom just as the professor is stepping behind his podium. Everyone turns to watch us instead of paying attention to the instructor. Jesse is back sitting in his usual seat, one row up from the back, and everyone pays attention to see how we’re going to react. Ted’s return brings added interest to our arrival. Seems we’re bringing all the drama today.

Jesse’s arm is still in a sling, a reminder of the knife Raven embedded in his shoulder just a few weeks ago. He looks pointedly at her, and in reply she nods toward his sling and smirks.

He mutters, “Bitch” under his breath and turns back around when Ted kicks the leg of his desk.

The professor drones on and on about the emergence of American literature and the modern classics. He starts giving an in-depth analysis of the reading assignment we had, and I stop paying attention.

When he musters the courage to look back again he shoots her a look of total loathing. He wants revenge, for the death of his cousin, for the loss of any chance at a career in football. However this conflict between us began, it’s become personal for him now.

When the class ends he steps out of the room without speaking to us.

“That was anticlimactic,” Raven muses.

“He’s up to something,” Ted says to both of us.

“Whatever it is, we’ll handle it,” I tell him.

Ted rubs his hands together. “Did I ever tell you how glad I am that the three of you came here? Life is so much more interesting with you around.”

Raven slips her hand into mine. “He’s a small fish. What more can he throw at us?”

I guess we’ll find out soon enough. Sooner if I were willing to do the one thing I’ve been avoiding. It might be time to call Carina and build a bridge.

28

Bridges

Sin

Jesse’s returnbothers me through my next class.What more could he possibly throw at us?Raven asked, I’m willing to bet a lot more judging by the way he was studying her.

Rumors have already been spread about Raven having an affair with Ford, and we made it through that. Jesse and Kyle tried to take Raven from me, and we fought through it as well. He must know there’s nothing on this earth that would make me leave her. Still, it’s undeniable he’s up to something, and until we know what, he’s a threat.

“Figures I’d find you lurking in the shadows,” Tessa says stepping in front of me.

“What do you want, Tessa?”

“I told you what I wanted back at the bar. You’ve done nothing to help me get Ford to talk to me.”

“Why would I help you? You’re a toxic bitch, and he’s better off without you.”

A look of frustration crosses her face, until she wipes her hands down her face. She appears more contrite, but I’m not sure if she’s a gifted actress or genuinely remorseful.

“I told you I could help you. I mean that. If I tell you what Jesse’s doing back, will that get you to listen to me?”

“Start talking,” I demand.

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