We make eye contact, but I quickly look away. After everyone settles in their chairs, my parents start talking.

"We have received intel that we are both getting threats from the same gang." My mom starts.

"We were thinking we should form a temporary alliance." My dad adds.

I discreetly look in Ashton's direction and see him already looking at me. My parents explain the benefits and answer the questions Ashton's parents ask.

"Are we in agreement?" My dad asks after they're done talking.

"I agree. Threats to either of our children are unacceptable." Ashton's dad says.

"We should let the kids have a say." Ashton's mom says, motioning to Ashton and me.

"What do you call yourselves?" I ask. I'm pretty sure everyone knows except me...

"I'm the leader of Mayhem, Lynn," Ashton says, smirking. I immediately glared at him.

I get up from my chair and walk up to him. "You guys ambushed our trade," I say, jabbing my finger at his chest.

"They told us you guys didn't have enough money and wanted back up," Ashton says, restraining my wrists.

"That's impossible, my friend checked the money, and we had the exact amount," I say confidently.

"Well, it wasn't enough when they checked, Lynn," Ashton says quietly.

Someone clears their throat behind us, and we immediately separate.

Our parents continue to discuss among themselves, and my dad ends with, "Thank you for agreeing to meet Mr. and Mrs. Walker."

"I wish it were under different circumstances, but I'm glad we can work together on this." Mrs. Walker says, hugging my mom.

We go our separate ways, but not before Ashton grabs my hand. He gives me a slip of paper and winks at me.

"See you at school." He whispers against my ear. I feel my breathing hitch and scold myself. I roll my eyes and trail behind my parents.

When we get into our car, my mom says, "You cannot tell anyone about this arrangement."

"Got it," I say, nodding, even though they're not looking at me. I glance at the paper and see Ashton gave me his phone number. When I get back to my room, I enter it into my phone and rename the contact.

😒

I'm not surprised you're the leader of the Red Claw

I guess we're partners in crime now

That felt really unenthusiastic

You never let me explain what happened

Lynn, I only avoided you because I didn't test whoever was threatening us. I was trying to figure out who it was so I could get rid of them and come back to you in peace

They were threatening you! I wouldn't have cared if it was just me, but they looped you in, and I'm not trying to get you killed

Do you think I liked ignoring someone I cared about?

Can we please go back to how things were a few days ago?

I will get on my knees for you

Take me back

Yay!

I gtg take a shower, but we'll talk tomorrow?

Really hurting my feelings Lynn

I wake up, and my first thought is Ashton. And, of course, his gang... Yes. Shut up.

I go downstairs, eat a granola bar, and then get ready for school. Then I'm out the door and decide to use my penny board to get to school.

I get to my first class and sit at my desk. Ashton walks in and sits at the desk beside me. "Do you think we're pissing off whoever sent us that threat?" Ashton whispers randomly.

"Why? Cause we're not staying away from each other?" I ask with a mocking grin.

"I could never stay away from you for too long," Ashton whispers, bumping his knee against mine.

I feel my face heat up and say, "Let's focus on the project now."

Ashton decides to sit with us again, so Zane says, "Welcome back, buddy!"

"You finally realized what you needed..." Tristian says, glancing at me.

"What is he talking about?" I ask, looking at Ashton. Ashton's glaring at Tristian but then looks at me with a sheepish smile.

"Do you guys know what year you're doing for your history projects?" I ask the table.

They all start talking about their topics, and I accidentally zone out.

They could have just hacked into the school's-

"You look cute when you're thinking about something," Ashton whispers.

Ignoring the urge to blush, I say, "I'm just thinking about ways to kill you. And you know I'd do it efficiently."

"You were thinking of me?" He asks, placing his hand over his heart. "Well, when I think of you-"

I cover his mouth with my hand and playfully glare at him. "I feel like whatever you were going to say was not PG."

He kisses my hand, and I immediately bring it back to my side. "You're so annoying," I say with a laugh.

😂

👋