The biggest reason I stole that car—and got Vandy hurt to begin with—was to impress the Devils and score myself and Emory a spot in the group. Now we’re bringing the Devils back to life for pretty much the sole purpose of protecting her.
Emory looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Because she’s my fucking sister, Reyn, and I said no. Vandy can’t be involved in something like this.”
I look at the others, lifting my shoulders in a loose shrug. “I’m still waiting for a reason why.”
Emory’s face is growing red now. “Because she’s…” But he’s at a loss for words.
I find them for him. “She’s smart, pretty, and your family. She’s a legacy, like Heston’s brother, Sebastian. Plus, you trust her, right? If this is about building something, then adding someone like Vandy just seems like the right direction to go in.”
Again, there’s a long beat of silence. No one moves, other than Ben shifting uncomfortably in his chair and Carlton inspecting his phone.
Emory leans forward, elbows on his knees, and glances at them. “Guys, Reyn and I need a minute.”
The guys don’t have to be asked twice. They’re out the door, feet echoing off the stone staircase, before vanishing completely.
I try my hardest to appear calm and collected when Emory shifts his attention back on me. “Dude, the fuck is this about?”
I wave my hand dismissively. “Nothing. You asked for a suggestion and I gave one. I don’t even know that many girls here anymore.”
“You’re not even supposed to acknowledge my sister, Reyn. I know all about the rules Headmaster Collins set when he agreed to let you back on campus. Vandy is off limits—not just to you, but any guy at this school.”
I raise an eyebrow. “So now you care about me staying out of trouble? Because I think being involved in this shit goes way beyond me maybe talking to Vandy every now and then, don’t you?”
“That’s not the point.”
“No, the point is that when it comes to her, you don’t think straight.”
“I’m thinking just fine!” Emory exclaims, face flustered. “She’s not that kind of girl. She’s sweet and kind, and she’s been through hell the last few years. This isn’t something I’m getting her involved in.”
“Well, that’s too bad.” I wipe my greasy hands on my jean-clad thighs. “Because if she’s out, then so am I.”
Emory is openly gaping at me. “What the hell is to you, anyway?”
“What is it to me?” I feel my eyes flashing in resentment. “It’s my best friend willing to risk my second chance here because he refuses to let his sister out of his sight for ten minutes. It’s superfucked, Em.”
Emory rears back, face falling. “It’s not like that.”
“Yes, it is.” I lean forward, as though getting closer could will him to understand. “And you know what the worst part is? I’d do it, just because you asked, even though it’s a shitty plan with no guarantee to work. You think the next group of Devils are going to protect her, based on what, exactly? You think a Wilcox—” I press two fingers to my temple, incredulous, “—a Wilcox, of all motherfuckers, is going to stand between her and the assholes of this school? Fuck’s sake, Em, we are the assholes of this school.” I shake my head, falling back into my chair. “There’s only one way she becomes untouchable, and that’s to make her one of us, too. And if you were thinking straight, you’d see that.”
I can see the moment he realizes I’m right. The tight pucker of his brows slowly eases into something slack and disappointed. He takes a deep breath and looks away. “The last time I got her involved in one of my schemes…” He rubs his hands nervously over his knees, head shaking. “I can’t go through that again.”
“So don’t. But I’m out, too.” I shrug, feeling weirdly empty. “I’m willing to do this if it’s for Vandy, because I owe her that much. But anything else isn’t worth it.”
“This is all moot.” Emory leans back in his own chair, arms crossing. “She’d never go for it, anyway.”
I roll my eyes. “Dude, trust me. She’ll go for it.”
He challenges, “How can you be so sure?” and I feel my lips pull up into a hard smirk.
“I happen to know a thing or two about being locked up and never allowed to have any fun.” I push an annoyed exhale through my teeth.