Page 84 of The Best Kind of Bad

“Nah, I’m good. Thanks, bud.” I step closer, keeping an eye on Skunk as he wanders back towards the car. “Leave the Juice Crew at home next time, got it? Especially after the way this fucker’s been looking at my girl.”

Skunk holds up his hands, clearly overhearing me. “Just looking, my friend.”

“Well, don’t do that, either.” I thump Juice on the shoulder. “Now get the fuck out of here.”

Juice grins at me, slapping my upper arm, mutteringit’s all goodas he passes by.

But, it’s not.

Not really.

I can’t help but feel like I’ve miscalculated by trusting him. Even if he is an old friend, he’s fucked me over in the past.

You’d think I’d learn.

55.

Marnie

Sienna was supposed to sleep over at her friend’s tonight.

The second I saw her climbing out of Trinity Pierson’s truck, I knew something was wrong. She was supposed to be with her girlfriends, not Trinity.

If Dusty knew, he’d be beyond pissed.

Miraculously, Trinity drops her off and peels out before Dusty has a chance to notice. His attention is zeroed in on his shady friends.

I smile at Sienna as she approaches, nothing the way she’s pinching her side. “Weren’t you supposed to be with your girlfriends tonight?”

She gives me a guarded look. “You saw me get dropped off?”

“I did. And I saw a certain Pierson kid your brother doesn’t like driving the truck.”

“If he can date someone older, why can’t I?” she mutters under her breath. She winces, pinching her side again. “You going to rat me out?”

Usually, Sienna is all sunshine and giggles. Right now, she’s as surly as I’ve ever seen her. “It’s not really my place to say anything, so I won’t. Don’t make me regret that decision.”

She nods, looking relieved.

“What’s going on with your side?”

She drops her hand away. “Just cramps.”

“Bad enough you canceled your sleepover?”

She hesitates, clearly still feeling defensive. But then her shoulders droop. “Yeah.”

“Are they always like this?”

“I mean, I guess? I haven’t…” She pauses, blushing a little. “I’m new to this whole thing, okay?”

“Got it.” I put my arm around her shoulder and usher her towards the house. “You know what always helps with cramps? Lavender tea.”

She looks up with horror in her eye. Apparently, the Larsons have reached their lavender max.

I grin. “Kidding. But have you taken anything for the pain yet?”

She shakes her head.

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