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Paling, Mr. Twomey moved toward us. “Shannon, are you saying Miss Wilkinson did this to you?”

“Back the fuck up,” Joey warned, taking a protective stance in front of his sister. I didn’t know what he thought old Twomey was going to do, but the lad wasn’t taking any chances. He was coiled tight with barely restrained feral fury, and I had a feeling the only reason he hadn’t exploded already was the blond stroking his arm. “Don’t come near my sister,” he added, glaring daggers at our principal. “I’m warning you.”

Mr. Twomey’s mouth fell open, and I felt a pang of sympathy for the old man for being thrown in the deep end like he had been. God knows, I knew what it felt like. Being at the end of Joey Lynch’s wrath wasn’t a good feeling.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Bella and Cormac strolling through the courtyard toward the car park, all smiles.

Oh, hell fucking no!

“You!” I roared, sidestepping Shannon. “I want a fucking word with you!”

“Johnny, don’t move,” Mr. Twomey warned.

“Johnny, don’t—” Shannon begged.

“Cap, you’re in contract,” Hughie shouted.

“Think about Saturday,” Gibsie called after me.

“Take the high road,” Hughie added.

“Fuck your high road,” I snarled, glaring after them. “And fuck them, too.”

Cormac paled as I approached. “Alright, Cap?”

“What did I tell you?” I demanded, stalking straight for him. “Huh? What the fuck did I tell you about that bitch?”

“Whoa, Johnny, I have no idea what you’re—”

Bang.

Cormac hit the ground like a sack of potatoes before I had a chance to raise a fist. Confused, I swung around and locked eyes on Joey. “What the—”

“I owed you one,” he explained with a shrug as he shook out his wrist. “Besides, I’m already getting arrested.”

I gaped at him. “Forwhat?”

“For this,” he replied before lunging at Cormac.

“Get off him!” Bella screamed as she slapped and punched at Joey’s head. “You dirty little scumbag.”

“Hey, don’t call my boyfriend a scumbag,” Aoife snarled as she barreled toward Bella. “Is this her, Shan?” she demanded. “Did she do this to you?”

“Please, just leave it,” Shannon choked out.

“Who the hell are you?” Bella hissed, glaring at Aoife.

“Oh, I’m your worst nightmare, bitch.” Taking her to the ground in one fell swoop. Aoife straddled Bella. “You like terrorizing little girls?” she demanded. “Try someone your own size.”

“How’s your money faring out for ya now, rich boy?” Joey sneered, grappling with Cormac on the road. “Being a scumbag has its benefits, doesn’t it?”

“Think you can call my boyfriend a scumbag?” Aoife continued as she full on punched at Bella.Whoa, there was no palm slapping with this girl.“Think you can bully his sister, huh? Think you’re safe because you’re a girl and he can’t hit you back?” She reared her fist back and cracked Bella in the mouth. “Well, I can!”

“I’m calling the Gardaí!” Mr. Twomey roared. “Stop it this instant or I’ll have every last one of you arrested!”

“Call the Gards and you’re down a quarter of the rugby team,” Hughie interjected calmly. “And looking at some serious bad press for the school. Look what she did to her.” He pointed to Shannon’s face. “I thought there was zero tolerance for bullying at Tommen. If so, you better change your policy because that girl’s been giving Shannon hell for months.” Shrugging, he added, “I’d also love to know what your policy is on stalking, because she’s been tormenting Johnny day and night for a year. He’s just too damn polite to say so.”

“Joey, stop!” Shannon cried, running toward her brother. “Don’t—”

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