Their Broken Pieces by Jessica Gomez
Chapter Fifteen
Alex
“J
asmine, wait.”
Why can’t I just let her go?
The disappointment in her sparkling blues twists at my heart. Regret plagues me, wondering if she’s upset because we can’t finish the project, or because she wants to spend more time with me? Secretly, hoping it’s the latter.
My conscience plays tug of war with indecision since the primary goal for this year was to stay away from her. She’d become a target in my life, but by her appearance, she’s obviously not safe either, and letting her leave with that forlorn expression on her face is unacceptable. “I’m busy after school, but we could get together in the evening.”
Her reaction is hypnotic as the blue of her eyes flares, excitement rippling like an undercurrent across her skin, breaking out in goosebumps. The longer I lock my sights on her, the faster her chest rises and falls. “All right. I think I can swing that.”
The organ in my chest skips and then sprints to the finish line when she confirms. Besides Jasmine, girls are a no-go at my place. Sure, some have tried to get an invite, but home is for family, not trifling hookups.
“Remember to call before you get into the neighborhood and I’ll meet you outside. Do not leave your car alone.” My voice deepens with my warning. When she doesn’t reply, I push. “Words, Jaz. Tell me you understand.”
She’s nodding as her lips softly part. “I understand. I’ll wait for you.”
Damn straight you will. The alpha thought is accompanied by a growl. The longer we’re together, the louder he’s shouting, Mine! Mine! Mine! “Good. Now get home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Have a nice night, Alex. And thank you for being a good sport about this.” She points to the plants in her car. “It means a lot.”
Her sweet words eradicate the last of my resolve. She’s so fucking innocent in life, which is exactly why I sought to avoid her in the first place. Tainting her with what I’ve become is selfish, but I’m enjoying being greedy.
Once her car’s out of sight, I head home. Mi madre has the day off and is probably cooking something delicious for dinner. Envisioning her cooking causes my stomach to growl, and then I remember I threw away half of my lunch to avoid the subject of Jasmine.
As soon as I arrive home and walk through the door, the sweet smell of mole sauce invades my sinuses. Underneath that is the chicken, rice, and beans.
“Hey, Ma. soy casero.”
“Alejandro. Cómo estuvo tu día?” She kisses my forehead as I sit down at the table.
“Fine. How was your day?” My mouth is already full with the first bite of food, moaning as the flavors explode on my tongue.
She appraises me with an awareness, one that tells me she knows something she shouldn’t. “Nothing special about today you want to talk about?”
“No. Por que?” I continue eating. There’s nothing she can bust me on. I’ve stayed out of trouble… mostly.
“No? So the rumor about you hanging out with Jasmine after school isn’t true?” Her eyebrow cocks up, daring me to lie. She needs to quit listening to her customers’ conversations, especially since most of those customers are high schoolers.
My food lodges in my throat, causing me to cough. “Que?”
“Answer me, Alejandro.”
“Sí it’s true. Why does it matter?” I’m defensive before she judges the situation.
“I’m not so sure it’s a good idea. You know how her mom is. She refuses to have anything to do with this family. If she finds out Jasmine is hanging out with you, who knows what she’ll do. I told you about the hospital.”
“I know, but we’re partners in biology. We have a project, and Jasmine wants to get it done before the senior trip. She can graduate four months early if she gets all the required work done.” My voice is bold, proud.
Mi madre zeroes in like a hawk, eyes twitching, seeing everything. “Alejo, I just want you to be safe.”
A dour laugh burst between us, cold and listless. “Kind of late for that, huh, ma? I would think you’d be more worried about me being in a gang than hanging out with my biology partner.” I slam my fork down on the table and stand so fast that my chair skids back and almost topples over. My muscles bow and flex with each breath, the monster within pressing for release, shredding any sensitivities from moments ago. Mi madre’s stripped me bare, showcasing Jasmine as my vulnerability, effectively flipping the asshole switch back on—whatever I can do to keep these reactions hidden. My enemies will not hesitate to use her as a bargaining chip; they’d use her wholly and violently before I could get her back.
“Alejandro! De dónde sacas de hablar a mí de esa manera?” she yells, asking where I get off speaking to her in that manner, and a string of other choice words.
“Ma,” I growl, trying to get her attention. “Ma!” I yell when that fails to work. She stops immediately. “Lo siento. I don’t want to fight with you. Thank you for dinner, but I’m going to do the rest of my homework.”
When I attended classes regularly, my GPA was one of the highest in school, so homework was easily completed before leaving for the day. Instead, my plan is to write different dishes Jasmine and I can use for the extra credit part of our assignment, completely aware that what I’m doing is asinine.
Once I’m calm enough to think clearly about our dinner conversation, clarity strikes, causing me to wonder exactly what would happen if Jasmine’s mom found out we were spending time together. Their relationship was strained before the accident, but would her mom go so far as to physically hurt her?
The timeline matches.
Anger swarms, like a hive of bees surrounding their prey, protecting their Queen. One way or another, Jasmine’s going to confide in me, sharing all her darkest secrets and desires. Jace isn’t here to run interference. He’s not here to promise he has it all under control. No. Whatever is going on in that house, behind closed doors, is most definitely my business.