Page 8 of Deceit & Destruction

I lost count of what fuck I’m on. That’s besides the point though. I can’t have some random chick living here when I’m moving weight for Primo. Ginger Spice has got to go.

Webber releases an exasperated sigh as he throws his hands up in the air.

“Look I know what you’re thinking.”

I scoff.

“Oh, trust me, brother, you have no fucking idea what I’m thinking.”

If he doesn’t let this shit go, I’m going to have to tell him I’m dealing again. The old Webber wouldn’t give a damn, but Webber 2.0 seems to have a fucking conscience. The last thing I need is him on my case, or worse him kicking me out on my ass.

“I wasn’t going to get involved. You said you would figure it out, and I told myself I needed to let you do that. But I know you and I know figuring it out means you getting involved with drugs again.”

Well, I guess I called that one.

Still, I don’t come clean to him. Instead, I smack my lips together and divert my gaze toward the floor.

“Then I saw Mila talking to Cassie after class and I thought it was safe to intervene.”

I lift my chin at the mention of Mila and my eyes cut back to Webber.

“You know as well as I do, Mila kept to herself after she was raped and I…” His voice trails and he flinches. Mila is a sensitive subject for Webber. It doesn’t matter that he’s apologized to her for spreading lies about her and basically making her life a living hell. He doesn’t forgive himself for his part in her pain.

Sparring him, I ask, “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Mila talks to two people, Victoria and Alex. She doesn’t trust a fucking soul, but she trusts the girl barfing in our living room.”

I see where he’s going with this.

“Just because you saw Mila talking to her in the hallway doesn’t mean she trusts her and what’s up with the barfing?”

He shrugs his shoulders.

“It means something. I cornered Mila before I approached Cassie. I told her you were in the market for a tutor and that I had suggested Cassie. She got on the defense right away and told me to stay away from Cassie, that she didn’t need any more trouble. I’m always going to be the villain in that girl’s eyes.” He shakes his head. “Anyway, I explained that I overheard Cassie talking to Blackthorne and how I thought you both could help one another out.”

“The whole bartering room for tutoring plan.”

He nods.

“Right, and instead of telling me to fuck off, Mila said it was a good idea. She actually brought me over to Cassie and formally introduced us. It was weird, man, like Mila silently communicated that I was trustworthy to her.” He pauses to reflect on that last part. “Maybe she’s coming around.” He brings his eyes back to me. “I mean she could’ve told Cassie I was the devil, but she didn’t.”

Sensing a lot of this whole saga has to do with Webber’s quest for redemption, I sigh. I get it. There are days when I look at Webber and I’m hit with guilt. I ask myself why he lied for me. Why is he still my friend? Why the fuck does he continue to live with me after I betrayed him? Those are the days I try extra hard to be worthy of his friendship. Days when I entertain the craziness.

But this I can’t entertain.

“I get you want to help, and I appreciate it, man. I swear I do. I’m sure that girl in there appreciates it too.”

That’s a lie. I don’t know what she’s after and I don’t care if Jesus Christ himself gave her the greenlight to trust Webber—it’s fucking strange.

Stepping closer to Webber, I level him with a look and lower my voice.

“You’re right. When things get rough, I turn to the only thing I know. I met with Primo, and I picked up. That fucking bag in there is loaded with pills and coke. I got twenty-four hours to move it. That’ll help me pay for a tutor. That being said, bro, I can’t have a strange girl living here while I’m doing that. I can’t risk getting caught and Mila can trust her all she wants, but I don’t trust anyone. Not a fucking soul. Especially not one who was linked with Jennings.”

He rubs a hand over his face.

“What if she’s in trouble? What if that’s why Mila is talking to her? Maybe Jennings hurt her too. Maybe one of those sick fucks isstillhurting her. I know how it looks, Mike. A girl that eager to move in with two guys…” His voice trails and he drops his hand away from his face. “I couldn’t help Mila, but maybe I can help her.”

“Trust me, her moving in here isn’t gonna help anyone.”

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