Page 83 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

CHAPTER 34

JUNE

Bill is gone by the time Jake, Lachy, and Ryan are released from holding. When I see him, I run to Jake and jump into his arms, hiding my face in the crook of his neck. I want to hug Lachy and Ryan too, but unfortunately, I’ll have to wait until we’re home to do that.

“June...” Jake whispers my name, pressing me to his chest. “I’m so sorry.”

I slide down his body and look up. “No, I’m sorry. It was my fault Bill showed up at the school in the first place. If I hadn’t ignored his calls?—”

Jake places his index fingers over my lips. “Don’t ever take the blame for what that weasel did. You were right to block his number.”

“How did you convince him to not press charges, lass?” Lachy steps closer.

“He needed a favor... it wasn’t a big deal,” I lie.

It totally sucked having to tell Bill’s great aunt he did nothing wrong and that I was to blame for the downfall of our relationship. But it was a small price to pay to save my boys, especially Jake, who’s already on thin ice with theadministration. Melissa told me as much when I spoke to her on the phone earlier.

Jake frowns as he watches me closely. “What favor?”

I shake my head, stepping away from him. “It doesn’t matter. It’s done, and we don’t have to worry about Bill anymore. Let’s go home.”

The police officer who took my statement approaches. “The press is outside. Just thought you should know.”

“Great,” Jake grumbles.

The sliding doors to the precinct open, and Melissa walks in, sporting a steely don’t-fuck-with-me expression. Her eyes widen when she notices we’re about to leave.

“You’re already out?”

“Yes, June used her charms.” Ryan smiles and winks at me.

“I don’t know why you’re amused. This situation is no laughing matter.”

“We know, Melissa,” Jake replies. “Did you drive here?”

“No, Doug did. I told him to park, but since you’re ready to leave, I’ll tell him to park in front of the building again. It’s a zoo outside.”

“Can we all fit in one car?” I ask.

“It’s a big SUV,” Melissa replies with her phone already glued to her ear. “Hey, change of plans. Park in front. We’re ready to go.”

JAKE

“I’m not even going to bother yelling at you all for fucking up a simple PR assignment,” Melissa pipes up from the shotgun seatas soon as we’re in the car. “Thank God Banksy had the good sense to not follow you to the police station.”

“I told him to not come, and I take full responsibility for what happened,” I say. “If the administration wants to punish someone, it should be me.”

“Bullshit!” Ryan complains.

“Yeah, total horseshite,” Lachy adds.

“One hundred percent what they said,” June chimes in.

“That’s very noble of you, Jake, but no, I won’t let you be the martyr in this situation,” Melissa retorts. “June, I understand your ex has been stalking you, and he displayed aggressive behavior today.”

“Yes... but I can’t throw him under the bus.”

Melissa turns in her seat to look at us. “Why not?”

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