Boys of Brayshaw High (Brayshaw, #1)

by Meagan Brandy

“You were supposed to leave ... unseen.”

They have the same look on their faces – a look that gives you nothing. But there’s something rolling around in their minds, a thought not spoken but understood among the three. I will admit, it’s hella cool how they’re connected on a deeper level than what outside eyes can see, they seem to know exactly what the other is thinking.

They’ll speak, mull over how to move forward from here. But not in my presence. Because who am I? Just the latest trash dropped on a rickety doorstep with not a soul’s back to lean against. Forever the unwanted outsider, something I’ve always told myself I was okay with.

My eyes just start to close when a figure flashes at my side. I quickly flip open my switchblade, my arm lifting to block the person’s hand when it reaches for me. The blade makes contact with skin and the figure jolts back.

Maddoc is in front of me, glaring down at his shirt, a red spot forming just above his hip.

“You fucking cut me.” “What the hell are you doing here?!” I hiss. He ignores me and lifts his shirt over his head to inspect the wound.

his shirt hanging in his hand.

“Why you here?” “Making sure you are.” “You dropped me off, did you not?” “That don’t mean shit.” He shrugs. “So you wanted to know if I was really here or if I snuck into someone else’s bed for the night?” He doesn’t deny it. Doesn’t confirm it either.

moves to grab my knife, but I yank it back.

“Why do you have that?” “Habit.” Not a lie.

“Why do you sleep with it?” he asks. “Don’t worry about it.” “Your mom’s boyfriends?” he guesses

“Don’t pretend to care.” “I’m not.” “Then don’t pretend interested in the answer,” I snap,

“Get the fuck out.” He mak...

“Fine. But hear me, Raven, you will not fight for Bishop again.” He hops out the window.

“You gonna tell me to stay away from him too?”

“Don’t ask stupid questions you already know the answer to.”

He dropped down beside me, looking a little solemn as he gave me this knife. He told me to hide it on me at all times and use it whenever I felt I needed to. He had said the words inscribed were true, that I didn’t have to accept my life just because I was born into it.

He told me family was choice, not a burden of birth. He said it was up to me to find the feeling and never to settle for less than what I wanted.

Bass’s elbow hits me in the ribs, so I elbow him back. When he smacks my thigh, my eyes fly open and I roll my head to glare at him. His face is blank as he tips his chin to the front of the bus,

I ignore him and close my eyes. “Son, you paying or not?” the bus driver asks

“That’d be a negative, bus driver lady. Just looking for—” My eyes snap forward and Royce answers my glare with a grin....

“What are you doing?” I call from my seat about four rows back and he leans against the driver’s ho...

“Go away, Royce,” I force through clenched teeth. “Can’t.” “Look, people have places to be—” Royce’s fierce chuckle has the lady’s mouth clamping shut,

“This is Brayshaw business.”

“The bus can move when I say it can move. And it doesn’t until she gets off.” He moves his eyes back to mine,...

“I need you to get off now, dear.” ...

Royce shakes his head like he’s disappointed but expected my answer. He glances out the open door and shrugs.

And of fucking course Captain is now stepping on. He and Royce head down the aisle, and right before they reach me, a whisper hits my ear, causing me to jump. “Move that ass, Raven. Now.” I turn to face him,

“Get off already, Rae. Or we’ll all be late.” That comes from Victoria. When I flip her off, Captain turns toward her, but she quickly averts her gaze.

neither looking away before I step off the bus and into the rain. Royce tosses his jacket on my head and I toss it in a puddle on the ground. He glares, snatches it up and grips my arm, pulling me toward the stupid SUV. He opens the door and sweeps a hand,

“This is bullshit.” “Not worth the fight, girl.” “Fuck off.” Captain grins and slides behind the wheel as Royce makes his way to the passenger seat. Finally, Maddoc opens the door and eases himself in.

I’m not too mad about it when we pull up at a donut shop a few blocks down. Cap steps out but pokes his head back in. “Chocolate sprinkles and hot chocolate,” Royce tells him, and I fight a grin. “Coffee,” Maddoc tells him and then Captain looks to me.

“Two maple bars and a coffee, half cream/half coffee.” He frowns. “What?” I ask straight-faced. “Thought I’d turn down sugar pretending to be a rabbit eater?” Captain nods. “Yeah, for some reason I did.” He heads inside.

letting out a little sigh, excited about my treat. Maddoc’s lip tips up the tiniest bit

“You don’t have to pretend not to enjoy us, RaeRae.” Royce grins in the mirror at me. “We’re quite awes...

“Yep. You will. ‘Cause you’re on lockdown, baby. Where we go, yo...

“Because that’s where we want you.” ...

“Not sure...

when I open my bag, I find a third maple bar staring back at me. I smile at the sugary goodness and pull some cash out of my pocket. His grin disappears and a hardened glare takes its place.

“Do not try to hand me money again. If I offer you something, I’m fucking paying for it, do you understand?”

He has a natural need to care for someone and my not allowing it will tear at what I’m gonna guess he’s worked hard – or is working hard – to achieve.

I thank him, and his easy smile has something in my chest thawing a bit.

So, Captain is the nurturer.

I look to Royce who grins like a little boy at his candy covered treat then turn to Maddoc who quietly bobs his head to the music, sipping on his black coffee as he watches the rainfall from his side window.

I wonder what Royce and Maddoc’s roles are in their threesome?

The thought has me jerking upright in my seat. The fact that I even stopped to wonder this tells me I need to get the hell out of this vehicle, which is why the second we pull up to the school, I reach for the handle but yay fucking me, child lock again.

Royce laughs and I turn his way. “Precaution. Can’t have...

“Would you have come if we asked?” he challenges. “No.” He tries to frown but grins and damn it, mine follows.

“So what’s your guys’ plan, for real? Why am I in this car with you right now? What purpose does this serve?”

“Nobody does a damn thing for us because they want to. They do it when they want something. You didn’t hesitate. Didn’t think twice, when you probably should have, so ... ...