Page 123 of The Broken Note

But now, he’s been distancing himself from us.

And I have a feeling he hasn’t been going to his therapy sessions.

Finn slaps Zane on the chest and juts his chin at Sol.

My twin straightens. A smile spreads over his face. “Stranger.”

“Are you guys waiting for Cadence too?”

Too?I bristle. “What business do you have with Cadence?”

Finn eyes me hard. “Calm down, Dutch.”

I seethe, but I keep my mouth shut.

Zane speaks up. “We’re looking for her. She skipped first period.”

“I saw her this morning. She said she had something to do, but she’ll be back.”

“You spoke to her?” I step forward threateningly.

Sol tips his chin up, fingers already curled into fists and preparing to throw a punch.

Maybe Iwillduke it out with him in the hallway.

I’m a jealous, possessive bastard, and I keep picking up vibes between Sol and my future wife. I hope I’m wrong. But if I’m not, a lifetime of brotherhood with Sol is about to get trampled.

I don’t share.

I’d bury my opponents where nobody can find their bodies before I think of sharing her with anyone.

The tension snaps between me and Sol until it’s thick enough to draw the eyes of the kids passing by.

Zane chuckles nervously. “Take it outside if you want to fight. Don’t be free entertainment.”

“No one’s fighting.” Finn snaps his book shut and slides it under his armpit. His eyes narrowing to slits, he places a hand on my shoulder and whispers in my ear. “Dutch, get yourself together. No one here is your enemy.”

I stare at Sol, and he stares right back, an edge to his scowl that makes me wonder if I’m looking at the same guy who spent almost every summer with us. There’s something different, something twisted about his gaze that plays at amusement. Like he couldn’t give a damn about it all. Like the Joker who wants to spread havoc for the hell of it.

“Dude, she’s here.” Zane jerks me around and points.

Cadence strolls through the front door, looking like hell and vengeance. Her hair dangles over her shoulders. Her skirt flits around her upper thighs. Brown eyes slam into me before she drags her gaze away and it lands on Sol.

Her expression clears and she smiles for him.

Freaking shows teeth for him.

“Hey, Sol,” Cadence says, passing me without a word and snubbing mehard. “Sorry I had to run out earlier.”

“No problem,” Sol says. He’s soft with her. Too soft. The fists he was holding at his sides relax.

A tan-colored hand slams on my shoulder.

A pale hand descends on my other shoulder.

My brothers are holding me back.

Cadey continues to pretend that I’m not there. “Do you want to talk now? We can head somewhere private since my locker’s being blocked by a garbage can.” Her eyes flick over me, sharp and burning with anger.

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