Page 36 of Breakers (Academy of Stardom 3)

“What the fuck are you doing?” Jeb snaps, his patience wearing thin.

“Cyclist,” Xeno bites out.

“Anyway, I was thinking. Maybe it’s time you all start acting like you’re interested in the little slut again. Grim needs convincing of our loyalty and what better way than to use Penelope to do just that? Perhaps she’ll come in useful after all.”

I tense in Dax’s arms, and in response he just pulls me closer and presses a kiss on top of my head whilst York strokes my thigh reassuringly.

“If you think it would work, I’m game,” Xeno replies tightly.

“So long as you boys remember our code.”

“Skins before whores,” the four say in unison and I cringe, hating every damn word.

“That’s it boys, Skins before whores.”

“What did you make of the show, Jeb?” Zayn asks casually, moving the conversation on.

Jeb scoffs. “Really who the fuck cares? Tales is successful because of thefighting. A bunch of whores prancing around ain’t befitting of such an establishment. Not that I give a shit what Grim chooses to do with the club right now because as soon as it’s mine, I will own every member of staff, including Penelopepretty-girlScott, and she will be doing way more than dancing to earn her fucking keep.”

A sudden dread slides down my spine, and despite the fact Dax’s arm is wrapped around me in that protective way of his, I still can’t help but be fearful. Dax lowers his mouth to my ear. “Don’t. We got this. He will never own you. I’ll kill him first. Okay?” he whispers.

I nod, telling him that I believe him, but that doesn’t stop the sick feeling in my stomach when all I keep hearing is the four of them saying ‘Skins before whores’ in my head over and over again.

“Well, I’ve got to fucking go. I want a catch-up meeting at Rocks before our first shipment is due to go over the finer details. Make sure D-Neath comes along. It might be fun if you bring Penelope along with you. She could entertain the club with herdancingwhilst we talk business. She owes me a show, perhaps we could loan her for the night. Know what I’m saying?” Jeb suggests, laughing cruelly. He really is a spiteful bastard.

“Grim ain’t gonna go for that. Besides, she’s working every weekend at Tales now. Best not piss Grim off by stealing her prized possession,” Zayn reminds him.

“Yeah, point taken. Maybe you’re good for more than just a knife fight,” Jeb says, taking every chance he can to belittle Zayn. My fingers curl into the seat as I try to dampen my anger. How the fuck any of them, especially Zayn, have kept his cool with the prick I’ll never know. York rests his hand over mine and squeezes it gently. I relax a little, his touch calming me.

“Now fuck-off and get on with your tasks. Santiago is pushing for the first shipment to be sent over in a few weeks and I need you to make sure D-Neath has everything in place ready for it.”

“You got it,” Xeno responds.

The line goes dead, and Xeno lets out a long breath then curses Jeb all the way back to the Academy.

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