The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #1)(60)

“She has dealt with some people taking sides. That’s all.”

Had people shunned her? Was she all alone inside?

“What people?” I snapped.

Sawyer held up his hands. “Calm down. We need to talk about us. Ashton is fine. I made sure she was fine.”

“You’re certain she’s fine?” I needed reassurance. I wouldn’t be able to focus on this conversation if I didn’t think she was okay.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

Nodding, I shoved my hands in my jeans pockets and leaned a shoulder back against the locker. “Okay. You go first,” I said.

I’d asked him to meet me here but I could tell he had things to say. I’d let him go first. He at least deserved that.

Sawyer walked over to the bench and stepped over it before sitting down. He looked as defeated as I felt. We’d never had a fight that lasted more than ten minutes and a few punches. Now there was a good chance we’d never move on from this.

“I do know the real Ashton. I realize you know her better than I do. Y’all are so alike. But I never thought she was perfect. I never expected her to be so good. I love the real Ash. I’ve loved her since we were kids. Just like you, Beau. She stole my heart before I understood what that meant.” He paused and ran his hand over his face. “But you’re my brother. You’ve been my brother all my life. Even before I knew we shared the same father. As bad as I want to hate you, I can’t. Ashton chose you. She is hard to walk away from. That’s something I understand.”

I wasn’t sure if this meant I was forgiven but I wasn’t going to give her up if that’s what he thought. He may be my brother but I couldn’t let her go for him. “I’m going to fight for her,” I replied. He needed to understand this.

Sawyer nodded. “I know. You won’t have to fight hard. You’re who she wants.”

Had he talked to her about me? Had he tried to get her back?

“She tell you this?” God, I hoped so.

Sawyer raised his head and a tight smile formed on his lips. “Did she have to? I think her actions spoke louder than any words. I can’t fight for someone who doesn’t want me. What’s the point?”

I’d fight for her. I’d make her see I was the one she wanted. There was no way in hell I’d walk away this easy if I’d been in his place. This was just more proof that I loved her more. I always had.

“Are we gonna be okay?” I asked, needing to know if this meant I would lose him.

Sawyer stood up and shrugged. “Maybe one day. Right now, I need time. Doesn’t change the fact you’re my blood. I just need some distance. From everything.”

I was his dad’s bastard son and I’d taken his girlfriend away from him. I understood that. It was a miracle he didn’t hate me.

“I’m here. When you’re ready,” I told him.

He nodded. “Yeah, I know.”

Chapter 26

Ashton

All night I’d slept with my cell phone clasped tightly in my hand. Just in case Beau texted or called. Yes, I was letting him go but that didn’t mean I wasn’t worried about him. If I could have just known he was at home in his bed.

Today I walked through the hall without worrying if someone was going to shove me into a wall. The sneers had stopped. It was as if they all had something new to focus on. I wasn’t the center of their attention anymore. Thank God. I turned to head toward my locker and my feet slowed as my eyes landed on the achingly familiar body standing in front of my locker. My heart sped up as I took in the sight of him. I could now openly admire his butt in a pair of jeans. A smile touched my lips but quickly fell away once I realized what he was doing.

Beau was snatching off the notes still stuck to my locker from the day before. I’d grown weary of taking them off and with my confrontation with Sawyer yesterday I’d forgotten all about them. Even though I couldn’t see his face I recognized the angry stance as he ripped up each note and threw it on the ground. Did he just growl? I took a slow, cautious step toward him. The tense set of his shoulders warned me not to make any sudden movements. He was strung tight as a bow and ready to pounce.

“Beau,” I said gently before reaching out and touching his arm.

The last of the shredded sticky notes drifted to the floor from his hands. He didn’t look at me. Instead he closed his eyes tightly. The tick in his jaw only made his sharp, perfect features more intense.

“It’s okay. The notes don’t bother me,” I assured him, wanting to say something. Anything to ease his temper.

“He let them do this. I’m going to kill him.” His words were so thickly laced with fury I started worrying for Sawyer’s safety again.

“No, he told them to stop,” I assured him, moving close to him. Beau finally opened his eyes and turned his head. His hazel eyes, so full of emotion, studied my face.

“When? Because they sure as hell haven’t stopped.”

I slid my hand down his arm and laced my fingers through his.

“It doesn’t bother me. Really. I don’t care.”

Beau snarled and slammed his fist against my locker door.

“I care. No one talks to you that way. No one, Ash.” He turned and glowered at the packed hallway full of students. “NO ONE,” he shouted. His hand pulled free from mine and the crowd parted as he stalked away. He was going to find Sawyer. I silently prayed he’d let him live.