Page 14 of A Little Broken

“Can’t complain.” Letting her go, Dodger scans her up and down again. “Been a while. Feels like you’ve grown an extra twenty inches.”

I hold my breath to keep from laughing because the girl can’t be over five feet tall, which would’ve made her a freaking toddler the last time he saw her.

“How’s boarding school?” he prods.

Boarding school? Guess that explains the time between run-ins.

“Good,” Rory answers. “I graduate this year.”

“No shit?” Dodger grins. “That’s amazing, Squeaks.”

Beaming, she tucks her hands into her back pockets and rocks back on her heels. “Thanks. I’m so ready to move on, it’s not even funny.”

“I can imagine. Any plans after graduation?”

“I was just accepted to RHU, actually.”

“No shit?” He smiles. “Judge’s nephews were accepted there, too. Right, Judge?”

Judge’s head lowers into a subtle nod, but he doesn’t comment.

Dodge turns to Tatum and closes the distance, offering her his hand. “Not sure if we’ve ever been formally introduced. I’m Dodger, Raine’s older brother. Heard a lot about you.”

“Tatum.” Grudgingly, Tatum takes Dodgers’ tatted hand and shakes it once before letting it go and wiping her palm on the outside of her thigh.

“Ophelia’s little sister, right?” He scans her up and down again. “You two look nothing alike.”

“Thank god.” Tatum grins and folds her arms.

Damn. Way to wear your emotions on your sleeve. Talk about a one-eighty. I think I found the answer as to why she lied about being sick over her birthday. My interest multiplies. I mean, how can’t it? Seems the girl has more bite than bark, which is saying something, considering this conversation. But the really crazy part? Dodge isn’t up my ass about being late on stage tonight, which means this girl is officially my savior, and I owe her one. Big time.

“Speaking of family, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone we saw each other. I’m supposed to be at home with the flu, so…”

“Aren’t you a little old to be lying to your family?” Tuke asks before stuffing a piece of jerky into his mouth.

“Aw, come on,” she quips. “You’re never too old to lie to your family. Right, Rory?”

With a fake smile, Rory presses her hands together in a prayer gesture. “Pretty please, Dodge?”

“You know your secret’s safe with me.” Head tilting, Dodger adds, “You guys should stay a while. We have drinks. Food. Whatever you want. Except no drugs.”

He gives Tuke a pointed look, and Tuke grins around his mouthful of jerky. “Drugs are bad. Stay in school.”

“Already graduated but great advice.” Tatum clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth and lifts a shoulder. “Unfortunately, we should get going, so…”

“You sure?” Dodger asks.

“Yeah, definitely. We’ll call an Uber and be on our way. Rain check, though. For sure.” The girl doesn’t bother hiding her sarcasm as she gives him a thumbs up and takes a step toward the door.

Not gonna lie, it’s hot as fuck. People don’t stand up to Dodge, and they don’t turn him down. They don’t turn down anyone in the group. And it sure as shit isn’t only ‘cause we’re famous, either.

“You sure you can get an Uber at this time of night?” he counters. “And after the concert?Andin this part of town?”

The man isn’t wrong.

Not only is the concert in the middle of nowhere, it’s also late. Anyone willing to make the drive is likely already booked, which means the girls will be waiting at least thirty minutes until a ride becomes available.

“Pretty sure it isn’t your problem,” Tatum argues.

---