Chương 7: 007

I pressed the advantage while he was still reeling, batting his sloppy swing aside and driving my fist straight into his nose. Something gave with a sharp crack. Warm liquid slicked across my knuckles. He screamed and I shoved him backward into one of the empty beds. His skull smacked the frame, his head lolling as his eyes struggled to focus. A jump rope lay discarded near the wall. I snatched it up and moved fast, looping it around his arms and torso, cinching it tight before he could gather himself.

A rough knot finished the job behind his back. When the fog finally cleared, he thrashed against the bindings, face swollen and ruined–no worse than mine, probably–his lips peeling back in a snarl.

"Let me out," he spat thickly.

"Fight like a man, you piece of shit!" I snorted.

"That's rich, coming from the vermin who snuck in here to assault a girl." I crouched just out of reach, eyes level with his.

"How's it feel knowing this stick beat you? Hurt your pride?" I smiled thinly.

"Good. You'll be dealing with a lot worse in juvie." His struggles turned frantic, jerking and wild, but the rope held. Relief settled low in my chest. Kid, Karma sighed shakily. You are going to be the death of me. Which is impressive, considering I'm a spirit. I kept my eyes on Lucas, tracking every twitch. I'd apologize, but I'm not sorry. Maddy's safe. Lucy's safe. And aside from some bruises, I'm fine. Those would fade. What I'd stopped here would've haunted those girls for a lifetime.

It was well worth the beating I'd taken.

"Nikolas!" Ms. Rufes's voice cut through the dark as she filled the doorway, hall light framing her silhouette. It stung my eyes, but I waved automatically.

"He's tied up. Did you call the cops?" She nodded, already ushering the girls out, one sharp eye never leaving Lucas.

"They're on their way-." Sirens wailed in the distance. I grinned.

"Now. Did you ask for Mr. Locke?" She shot me a look, equal parts weary and amused.

"As if I'd ask for anyone else when you're involved." Maddy crawled out from under the bed with a groan, stretching stiffly.

"I am way too big for that…" It took me a second to realize she was in her underwear. I looked away immediately.

"Sorry. If I'd known he was a problem, I would've kept an eye on him the second I walked in the door." A warm hand settled on my shoulder.

"It's not your job to protect us, Nik." A pause.

"But thank you."

"Sure thing," I murmured, gaze still politely averted.

"You should go with the others. I doubt you want to be anywhere near this slime."

"Not really." Her voice hardened.

"But I do want to watch them haul him out. So I'm staying." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Lucas's eyes snapped to her, his glare twisting into a vile leer.

"You like to watch, huh?" I stepped between them instantly.

"Could you put on more clothes?" I added over my shoulder.

"Please." A dresser drawer slid open. A minute later she returned in a shirt and shorts.

"Thanks," she muttered.

"That look he was giving me-." I waved it off.

"I wouldn't be comfortable either." The door slammed open again. Mr. Locke strode in, eyes sweeping the room, then softening when they landed on me.

"Attracting trouble again, Niki?" I shrugged, the old nickname tugging a smile loose.

"Aren't I always?" My expression hardened as I gestured to Lucas.

"He broke into the girls' dorm. Plenty of witnesses. You need me too?" He nodded.

"You know the drill. Partner'll take him. You're with me." His gaze flicked over my bruises with a wince.

"We'll patch you up at the station." Then, to Ms. Rufes, "I'll take it from here."

"I need to do one thing first," I said, already heading back to the boys' dorm. Lucy was right where I'd left her. The other boys exhaled in unison when I stepped inside.

"You can come out now," I said gently. She launched herself at me, arms locking around my waist. Pain rippled through my battered ribs, but I ignored it, rubbing slow circles into her back.

"So scared," she sobbed.

"I was-."

"I know," I murmured, sinking down to hold her better.

"But he's leaving, and after I get back from my chat with Mr. Locke, I'll have loads more stories for you. Deal?" She nodded, face buried in my shirt, soaking it with tears and snot. Oh well, there was probably blood and sweat in it already, what was a few more stains to wash out? Catching Mr. Locke's eyes, I shrugged.

"A few more minutes?" He smiled, shaking his head.

"Sure thing, Nik." Lucas passed him in the hall, another officer walking behind him. I couldn't resist.

"Hope you enjoy juvie!" He stiffened, but was shoved forward before he could answer. Mr. Locke shook his head.

"You're a handful, kid. Be glad I like you." If only he knew, Karma muttered. I chuckled.

"Always am." Holding Lucy a little tighter, I finally let myself breathe. This wasn't how I'd pictured my first night back. But at least he'd tried something while I was here. If I hadn't been… A chill crawled up my spine. I pulled Lucy closer. Maybe, being dropped off wasn't the worst thing. It hurt. It always did. But better this than what could've happened. And hey, at least things couldn't get worse right?