Chapter 48 CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Blue’s POV
My cousin, Derek, was waiting just outside the infirmary doors. Stan had already vanished, likely to lick his wounds or find a dark corner to decompress. I made a mental note to track him down later; the guy had held the line when it mattered, and I didn't forget deeds like that.
As we stepped into the hall, I instinctively shifted my weight, moving in front of Scarlett to shield her from Derek’s leering gaze. He was leaning against the wall with a look of practiced boredom, but his eyes snapped to her with a stupid spark the moment we appeared.
"Why do you hide her from me, cousin?" Derek asked, his voice smooth and irritating. "I’ve already seen her, remember?"
I didn't say a word. I just stood there with my hands shoved deep into my pockets, my face a mask of cold indifference. I was waiting for him to say whatever piece of garbage my father had sent him to deliver so he could finally get out of my sight.
I just hoped my father hadn't pulled enough strings to move Derek into my living quarters. I would fight that tooth and nail. I knew Victor had power, but getting an un-sentenced person into a high-security reform school like Bellamy was a feat even for him. Derek probably wasn't even on the official records.
"Okay, not in a chatting mode," Derek said, pushing off the wall and clicking his teeth. "But then again, when are you ever?"
He stepped closer, his smirk widening. "I’m not going to be much of a bother, Blue. Just know that I am watching. We’ll be working together to keep things running smoothly from now on. My job is to make sure no more... mistakes... happen with the inventory."
I remained silent, staring right through him. In my short years of life, I’d learned that the best way to intimidate someone and to show them they were beneath you, was to measure your words. If you didn't give them anything to react to, they eventually felt small.
Derek hissed a breath through his teeth, clearly annoyed by my lack of reaction. "Fine. Have it your way." He turned on his heel and walked off.
I grabbed Scarlett’s sweaty hand and led her toward my room. On the way through the courtyard, I spotted Tanner.
"Tanner," I called out.
He stopped and looked over, his eyes widening slightly at the bruises on my face. "Yes, boss?"
"Bring food for two to my room. Something substantial."
"Right away, boss," he said, turning and running off toward the cafeteria.
Tanner couldn't be more than eighteen, though the life he lived made him look older. There was a maturity in his posture, but I’d noticed a softness in his gaze; something he tried to hide but couldn't quite extinguish. I knew I couldn't treat the guys under me with a soft hand because they had to be toughened and hardened to survive a place like Bellamy, but seeing that he still had life brimming in him was a rare thing in this hellhole.
I glanced back at Scarlett. She was looking away at the distant treeline, the risen sun hitting her fiery hair just right. It turned the curls into a halo of gold and copper. My fingers itched for a brush. I couldn't wait to get her back in the room so I could paint it.
We arrived at my room, and I pushed the door open. She followed me inside, the silence of the room a welcome relief.
Without wasting a beat, she turned to me. "Will you tell me everything now? I am dying to know, Blue."
I let out a long sigh, sitting on the edge of the bed. "After we eat, Red."
"Why do I feel like you’re just putting it off?" she asked, crossing her arms.
I narrowed my eyes at her silently, a wordless warning. She raised her hands in mock surrender, a tiny smile tugging at her lips. I felt the corners of my own mouth start to twitch, and the sensation almost alarmed me. When was the last time I’d felt pushed to smile? The very concept felt foreign, like a language I’d forgotten how to speak. I quickly straightened my face, forcing the vulnerability back down before she could see it.
A knock came at the door. "That’ll be Tanner," I said.
"Come in."
Tanner entered carrying a heavy tray of steaming food—rich beef stew, thick crusty bread, and fresh fruit. My mouth actually watered. I hadn't cared for much growing up in the Linden household, but I’d always had a weakness for good food. My mother used to—
The thought cut off abruptly. My mood soured instantly as the memory of her face tried to surface. I pushed it back into the dark box where it belonged.
Suddenly, a clanging sound pulled me out of my head. I looked up to see Scarlett holding two forks, clashing them together like they were swords in a miniature duel. She was making soft "shing-shing" noises under her breath. Like magic, the weight in my chest lifted.
She was never leaving my side. No matter what it cost me, I would keep her for myself.
Tanner left the room, and I unbuttoned the top few buttons of my white uniform shirt, feeling the collar start to choke me. I sat on the sofa while Scarlett took the chair, the small table between us.
I noticed her eyes straying to my chest where the shirt was open. There was a strange warmth in my gut at her appreciative glance. I’d had girls throw themselves at me my entire life and it had always disgusted me. I didn't know if this sudden switch in my brain was for the better or worse.
Scarlett started digging into the stew like someone was going to snatch the bowl away from her.
"Slow down, Red," I said, picking up my own spoon. "The food isn't running off."
She flushed a deep pink. "Sorry. My time at the holding center wasn't exactly pleasant. I think I was traumatized. Now, whenever I see good food or clean clothes, it gives me premium joy."
I nodded thoughtfully. I made a mental note to arrange for more clothes and perhaps some fresh fruit to be delivered specifically for her. I’d have to wait until the heat from my father died down, though.
Thinking of my father brought Derek back to mind. I groaned internally. One more person to be cautious around. Derek didn't just follow orders, he bothered people for the fun of it. He was a sadist in a way that even my father found annoying. I’d have to hold a meeting with my guys tomorrow to figure out how to navigate Derek’s presence without causing a war. I wasn't afraid of him one bit but he was family. That made him a protected species. I couldn't teach him the lesson he deserved without offending my father.
In no time, Scarlett set her spoon down. "Alright. I’m done."
She looked at me expectantly. I knew she wasn't going to drop it.