Page 215 of Fragments
Sighing stubbornly at his assessment of me, I hold my hand out for the soap bar.
Last week, he did some tattoos for Jasper and Hancock in exchange for a bunch of toiletries. I was nervous about it at first, being that he used to get busy with both of them,often. Then there was that wholealmost fuckingthing with Jasper…
But he says nothing like that has happened since, and the kicker is, I actually believe him. Plus, from what I understand, Jasper and Hancock have something going on. Not that any of us have witnessed it firsthand, but you can sense the tension when they’re close.
Doesn’t surprise me. This prison makes more love connections than e-fuckin-Harmony.
Ren steps forward with the soap. But when I go to take it, he yanks it back. “Tell you what, I’ll make you a deal.”
I purse my lips to cover up my grin. “Listening…”
“If you say it… even just once, only tome… I’ll give you my last can of Mountain Dew.”
My eyes widen with excitement. “You still have one??”
“I was saving it for our anniversary,” he sneers. “But apparently, we’ll never have one of those because you won’t even call me your damnboyfriend.”
Warmth sweeps through me, and I start to fidget. I’ll be honest, just the thought of a can of Mountain Dew has my mouth watering almost as much as his wet, naked body.
I shouldn’t be opposed to giving him what he wants. After all, if he’s not my boyfriend, then what the hell is he?
But at this point, teasing him about it is much more fun. He’s been playing games with me for years.It’s only fair I get my licks in too, right?
I’m weighing my options as Kang trots over, snatching the bar of soap from Ren’s hand.
“Mind if I use this?” he asks, though he’s already wandering off with it, running it over his chest as he ducks under his shower.
“Hmm… I see how it is.” Ren squints at him. “You’re still my friend when I have something you want.”
“It’s a concept you’re familiar with.” Kang fakes a smile.
Gulp. Oh boy.
Kang’s been distant lately, but definitely with Ren more than me. He won’t tell me what’s wrong, but he’s a lot quieter than usual, and when he does talk to Ren, there’s this underlying simmer of irritation I just can’t pin down.
“Fine, you can use my soap,” Ren mutters. “But we need it too, so we’ll all have to get under the same shower head and wash each other.” He stomps up to Kang, pushing into his space.
“Dude, back off,” Kang growls.
“Why? You don’t like playing with me anymore?” Ren pouts, then peers over his shoulder at me. “Come on, Lex. We’re showering with Byron today. Prison-style.”
Ren starts trying to touch Kang while Kang jerks away from him.
I pad over quickly. “Ren, just let him use the damn soap.”
“Iam.” Ren grabs my hand, pulling me in closer. “Go ahead, Byron. Wash Lex’s balls for him. That’s what you want, right?”
“You’re such a dick,” Kang huffs, shoving him back. “Luthor, get your boyfriend under control…”
“He’snotmy boyfriend,” I mumble.
“Yea, see? He’s single and ready to mingle,” Ren hisses, leaning closer to Kang once more. “Make your move, sweetheart.”
“I’m gonna kick you in the dick if you don’t get the hell out of my face.”
Kang and Ren are shoving each other back and forth, so I decide to step out of the way, lestIaccidentally get kicked in the dick myself.
“Step off, bitch!”
