Bad Behavior

Burning Bridges

Sophie felt so naked without her piece with her and she was not prepared for the message the school received through the intercom system around 11 am.

"Sorry folks, but we gotta interrupt your school day to bring you a PSA from the DeMarco family."

Saul.

Sophie lowered her gaze when she felt some eyes fall upon her in science class. Embarrassment and excitement filtered through her soul.

"As all of you should know by now, Sophie Swann is in DeMarco custody per orders of Eddie Swann and the Swann Family, a law the ruling families agreed to. It appears we are dealing with a snitch, a rat, an asshole who might need to lay low for a while because we're looking for you. As long as Sophie is in our custody, lies, rumors and accusations against her or my family are NOT and WILL NOT be tolerated. This is your first and last warning. Have a nice day."

The silence in the room was deafening until Mr. Kemp spoke, "Was that clear to everyone?"

Humbled murmurs were heard throughout the room, but Sophie didn't answer. She knew some of the students in the class didn't like her. Some feared her, some hated her because she was a Swann, but some were jealous because she was rumored to be the future wife of Joseph Crane.

She couldn't concentrate in class. Saul had made a spectacle, but it went with the territory. Everyone knew Saul had a way about him and anyone he deemed worthy of his protection or presence, was safe with him. Even the Crane's knew and that message was directed towards them, too.

The bell rang for the next period. She'd have to see Saul.

Joe was waiting for her when she exited her science class. She didn't meet him in the gym.

Pulling her into his arms, Joe grabbed her chin, "I thought we had an agreement, Sophie."

Sophie tried to wiggle free. No one in the halls paid them any attention. Even Kemp turned a blind eye.

"What? I have to go to class, Joe,"she snarled, "Don't do this right here."

"Where should I do this at then, Sophie? It's not like Eddie's going to stop me. Who the hell do you think is going to save you? DeMarco?" he smiled down at her, pushing her up against the wall, "I should fuck you right in this hallway. No one would say a word, I bet."

"Joe, please..."

"Please?"Joe leaned into her neck and kissed it gently, "Please what? I can do what I want. You think I care about Saul's little rant this morning?"

"You should."

A deep voice came from behind them, stopping Joe from roaming Sophie's body with his hands.

Saul.

"Fuck you, DeMarco,"Joe proceeded to kiss Sophie on the lips and drag her away from the wall, "Besides, I was just about to tell her about our little arrangement tomorrow."

Saul crossed his arms and huffed. He hated Joe with a passion.

"What arrangement?"Sophie asked, looking to Saul.

"All three of us are going to the meeting tomorrow."

"Why?"

Joe pulled her arm, "Why not?"

Sophie broke free of his grip, "Because you barely know Kramer."

"Saul gets to go," Joe sneered.

"I'm in Saul's custody and that's why he's going. You'll rile Kramer up," Sophie told him.