Page 57 of The Deadly Candies

She walked along the edge of the schoolhouse, hands clasped behind her back, her curls bouncing on her shoulders. She was a vision, just like Janey.

Ely’s lips curled into a slow smile.

Adam, one of the younger men, leaned in. “She sure is somethin’ pretty. But Janey…damn. Ain’t no woman in Butts more beautiful than an Elliot girl no matter the age, they stay the same.”

Ely’s jaw tensed.

“Watch your tongue,” he muttered.

Adam smirked. “Oh, you sweet on Kathy?” He lowered his voice. “Y’all grew up together in Harlem. She yours?”

The truth was too bitter to say out loud.

Kathy had gotten a letter from Debbie, he was there. The way she walked around for days as if she were stomping on clouds, he suspected she had finally got the news she wanted from the Italian boy.

She wasn’t his.

She was still love-sick over another man.

But Ely knew the truth. Thatboywasn’t coming to rescue her. He couldn’t protect her in this world. Only Ely could.

Maybe God hadn’t sent Kathy back to Butts as a punishment—maybe he had sent her as a gift.

One day, he’d marry her.

He’d give her the life she deserved.

And he’d wait until she saw the future he secretly planned.

“She my family,” Ely said, voice firm. “And none of you look her way.Ever.”

The men exchanged glances, then shrugged off the warning.

Before Ely could say more, Janey’s voice rang out.

“Ely!”

She stood, brushing invisible dust from her shorts, her hips swaying as she strode toward him. The men all fell silent, watching her move, their attention hanging off of her like she’d cast a spell.

Ely quickly swallowed the food in his mouth. “Ma’am?”

Janey tapped her umbrella on the ground. “Can you take a break and drive us back to Big Mama’s? I’mmeltingin this heat.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ely wiped his mouth, turning to Milton. “You in charge.”

Milton nodded.

“C’mon, Kathy!” Janey called, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Time to roll!”

She turned back to the men, flashing a knowing smile. “See you boys later.”

“Bye, Janey,” they all chorused, practically drooling.

Kathy rolled her eyes and ran over, jumping onto Ely’s back.

He laughed, catching her with ease, carrying her to the truck like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Once inside, Ely started the engine, about to pull away when Janey leaned forward.

---