Page 128 of The Other Side of Green

“You’re talking in riddles.”

“God, Jack, for someone so sharp you really can be quite stupid at times. You aren’t the only black sheep in a family.”

I had nothing. So I just waited.

“You met Simon, the ass kisser and golden boy. Well, I’m Evan, the prodigal son, fourth generation of Coney Records.” He held his hand out to shake mine.

I didn’t know what to say or do.

“You’ve lied to me all these years?”

He laughed and slapped my shoulder. “Black sheep. I’m hardly on the managing board.”

“But…”

A definite but hung in the air.

“But when I hear something good, well then I hear something good.” He pointed to the guest bedroom door. “And that’s good.”

My gaze followed where he pointed. “I still don’t see how we are going to get out of this mess.” I rubbed at the back of my neck.

“Will Lyra care about the Collins family and what they will say when she’s being asked to play everywhere, building a career that will make her Grammy proud?”

I pressed my lips into a line. “Yeah, she will. She’ll still care about the people who stood up for her, the people who have done right by her, and she’ll still care about me.”

Shaking my head, I walked for the guest bedroom door.

I didn’t know if Evan had made things better or worse.

The room was in darkness and I slipped off my clothes, stretching out next to a naked Lyra. Being with her would never get old. Not ever.

She was everything and I’d take anything for her.

I had a feeling she would do the same for me. She always had. The woman who once used to nurse my bruises with saltwater turned and pressed herself against me. “I’ll protect you, Jack.” She nestled into my chest and I ran a hand down her curls, stretching them down the smooth skin of her back.

We’d protect one another. And that’s what scared me the most.

Chapter Thirty-One

Lyra

I woke up, staring up into the darkness of Evan’s spare room. Jack breathed gently beside me, his lungs a symphony of sounds I’d always dreamed of. Glancing at the edge of the drapes, I assessed whether it was time to get up. I’d need to get back to campus before anyone could see me.

Although cloak and dagger didn’t really seem worthwhile now.

The threat to Jack stung me deep, added to the wounds I already carried.

I hated them.

The loss.

The frustration.

The feeling that none of this would ever end.

I’d heard what Evan and Jack were saying after I left them last night. I knew all about Evan’s suggested offer.

I should have been dancing for joy, celebrating the offer of a lifetime. Even if the Collins family did out me, did post that picture, make my behavior public… they wouldn’t touch me. They’d hurt Jack still though.