Page 111 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“It’s my body. My decision.”

“Fine, whatever.”

The car pulled up outside Cole’s house. “Guess I’ll call you tomorrow.” He was talking to Aaron, but his eyes lingered on Sofia.

She didn’t look at him though, finding something on her lap far more interesting.

“Yeah, thanks for coming tonight.”

“Anytime. Night, guys.”

“Night,” I said, nudging Sofia’s arm. She was being unusually rude.

“Night,” she mumbled.

Aaron waited for Cole to reach his front door before driving off again.

“What was all that about?” I whispered.

“He’s such an overbearing ass at times.”

“Because he cares?” My brow arched.

“Just… leave it be, yeah?” She sighed, sagging back against the headrest.

“Fine,” I murmured.

A second later, Sofia laced her arm through mine and laid her head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, he just… ugh, he drives me insane. How’s your face?”

“Sore, but I’ll live.”

“I still can’t believe we ended up in the middle of a bar fight.”

Ezra snorted, but a low growl vibrated from Aaron. Sofia sat up and leaned over. “Are you… growling?”

“No.”

“Oh, you are. You so are.” Laughter burst out of her, as she reached around and smushed his cheeks.

“Get the fuck off me,” he hissed, shoving her away.

Sofia landed with a huff, rolling her eyes. “So testy, Brother.”

“Yeah, well you two are enough to send me to an early grave. What were you thinking going to some bar and—”

“Oh, spare us the dad speech,” she shot back. “We were trying to have fun. You know, do that thing that teenagers do. Besides, Peyton said—”

“Peyton should have known better.”

“Relax, Bro,” Ezra said. “They’re both okay. Everything’s good.”

But Aaron’s eyes flashed to mine in the rearview mirror and it was obvious that everything was not fine. He was barely holding onto his restraint.

“Aaron,” I said quietly. “We’re fine.”

He didn’t answer and that was that.

I didn’t understand his obvious anger anyway.

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