Forever Golden: Dark High School Bully Romance (Kings of Cypress Prep Book 3) by Rachel Jonas (beach books TXT) 📕

away from Scar because he knew he’d be gone soon. I could relate. The thought crossed my mind when I got spooked by Vin.

My gaze flits to Ricky and I’m not sure what to think or say. Naturally, I assume he’s leaving too, and then I’m left wondering why I’m only hearing about it now. It’s possible that my heart may have even sank a little. He’s always been here, not just in this city, but he’s always been here for me. It’s hard to imagine life in this city without Ricky Ruiz—one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Hell, our friendship was so strong it even weathered our breakup.

“You’re leaving?” I ask, hoping West doesn’t misread the emotion in my voice for something it isn’t, but I’m a little confused right now.

Ricky shakes his head. “Not me, just him. Aunt Carla’s heading back to Puerto Rico for a bit and I asked her to take Shane. It’ll only be for a little while,” he adds.

“Too long,” Shane mumbles under his breath, prompting Ricky to lower his gaze when I can only guess guilt sets in.

“There’ve been a lot of changes lately and I just think it’s best,” Ricky explains. “I don’t want him getting caught up in anything.”

Oh, the irony. It’s as if he’s inside my head, staring at my plan for Scarlett.

The last thing he said bordered on cryptic, but I probably know more about the hidden meaning behind those words than he thinks. All because of something Tommy clued me in on the last time I saw him. He mentioned a new family working their way into Cypress Pointe’s underworld, and he also mentioned that things were becoming more volatile because of it. Without realizing, Ricky just confirmed what I feared—he’s in deep and he’s scared. At least for Shane.

I suppose I could relate to that, too. And, like me, Ricky chose to send his brother someplace safe since protecting him seems impossible.

“He’s known for a few weeks. I told him not to say anything, but I guess he felt Scar needed to know,” Ricky adds.

He doesn’t seem pissed that Shane told, just a little uncomfortable. Like it was supposed to stay a secret. From everyone.

I’m finding it hard to be angry now that I know what fueled this late-night garage rendezvous. Especially knowing I’m taking her away for a week. Do I condone my fifteen-year-old sister having sex? No, but I know what it’s like to be in love—to feel like you can’t breathe if you can’t be with someone.

I’ve been there.

Twice.

“Just… go to bed. We’ll talk about this more later.”

Swiping tears, Scar gets to her feet, passing a glance toward Shane that breaks my heart a little. He’s still clinging to her hand and I think it shocks us all when he stands and pulls her to his chest. They hug like they’ll never see each other again and, in a bold show of affection that even takes Scar by surprise, he kisses her. Like no one else is in the room. Like no one else exists.

It’s in this moment that I realize they’re not kids anymore. Sure, they have a lot of growing to do, but… what they feel for each other is real and I’ll never take that away from them.

“I’ll call every day,” he promises. “And I’ll come back to visit whenever I can.”

Scar nods and the tears flow faster as her hand lingers in his. Then, she’s gone. Shane’s stare stays trained down the hallway long after Scar disappears. Maybe sensing his brother’s need to escape, Ricky holds out his keys. Shane doesn’t hesitate to take them, then heads out to the car.

With them both out of earshot, I turn to Ricky. “When’s he leaving?”

“Friday.”

Before Scar makes it back to say goodbye. Now, I feel extra guilty.

“He hates it, but it’s for the best,” Ricky reasons with a shrug. “He’ll understand one day. At least, that’s my hope.”

I feel his anguish, see him questioning whether he’s made the right choice.

“Anyway, I’m gonna take off. I should make sure he’s okay.”

Knowing I need to go do the big sister thing myself, I nod. “Thanks for coming by to help.”

I follow him to the door and let him step out onto the porch.

“Sorry you had to deal with that,” he says. “I thought I put the fear of God in him that last time.”

“Apparently, it’s going to take a whole lot more than fear to get through to these two,” I joke. “We’ll talk later.”

He nods and I close the door when he turns to leave.

West stands, towering over me and I peer up. “I should take off, too. Pretty sure Scar needs you.”

“Yeah, guess I’ll sleep sometime this week,” I tease, leaning into his chest when he pulls me close. “Thanks for rushing over. Sorry I scared you.”

“As long as you’re good, I’m good.”

My arms squeeze him tighter and, despite the crazy circus tonight’s turned into, he makes me feel comforted.

“See you in an hour,” he says with a laugh. It’s a joke, but he’s not too far off.

“Text me when you get in, so I know you made it safe.”

He promises he will, then he’s gone, leaving me to deal with my sister and her vat of emotions. I set the alarm, turn off the lights, then prepare myself for a sleepless night, because Scar needs me and… that’s what sisters are for.

Chapter 23

BLUE

Our plane lands exactly two and a half hours after takeoff, and I slept nearly the entire time. My late night with Scar meant I lumbered around like a zombie this morning, trying to get ready and look at least semi-decent for the flight. If you ask West, I’m gorgeous as always. If you ask me, I look like death warmed over.

Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, I guess.

Whatever I look like or feel like this morning, it’s worth it. Being up all night gave me a chance to speak candidly with my sister, which