Foul Play (Whithall University Book 1) by Lisa Helen Gray Page B

her pull me further into the house and up the narrow flight of stairs ahead of us.
    The stairs creak behind me under the lads weight and I hear CJ mutter, “I take it we’re skipping breakfast.’’
    Mia’s room is the first door I see when we reach the top of the stairs. Her door is painted pink, a wooden name plaque reading ‘Mia’s bedroom’.
    “Wow!’’ I say amazed when I step inside. Her room is so bright, so colourful and filled with so many dolls and teddy bears. “This is amazing.’’
    “You can sit here,’’ she tells me, patting the floor next to her. Ignoring the two brutes blocking the doorway I take a seat where instructed, smiling at how happy she looks at me being here. “Liam sits here when we have tea parties, but he’s not invited today,’’ she tells me, leaning in closer to whisper, “No boys allowed.’’
    I chuckle looking up to Cole who is narrowing his eyes down at his sister and if I’m not mistaken a blush has risen in his cheeks.
    “Dude,’’ CJ laughs, looking at Cole like he’s about to say more, but Mia opens her mouth first.
    “CJ sits there,’’ she smiles pointing to the left of me. “He likes being nearer the barbies,’’ she admits and CJ’s laugh is cut off, wiping the smile from his face when she throws him under the bus.
    “Cole’s her brother, what’s your excuse?’’ I tease, not sure why I’m sticking up for Cole.
    “What?’’ he asks, looking at me with a blank expression. “I can’t say no to her. Little shit,’’ he mumbles, whispering the last part under his breath, but still loud enough that we all hear.
    “Crap,’’ Cole hisses, looking ready to hit CJ. At first I think it’s because CJ swore in front of his little sister, but then I see Mia crawling under her bed, reaching for something which has me questioning what is going on.
    “Knew I should have stayed in the car,’’ CJ mutters, looking like he wants to kick himself.
    “Hand it over,’’ Mia demands, holding her tiny fists up, ready to take them out. “You too,’’ she warns Cole, taking a warning step towards him.
    He takes a step back, holding his hands up before slowly reaching into his back pocket. I snort, laughing when I realise what’s going on. They both look scared of the little girl which makes me snort, embarrassingly loud. Both of them turn their narrowed gazes my way, not looking happy at all.
    “Kid, I’m skint. You’re breaking the bank,’’ CJ moans, handing over a five pound note. Cole does the same and my eyes widen, laughter bursting free when I see the stash of cash she has in her money tin. I don’t even think I have that much money.
    “Sorry, but...no....not sorry,’’ I snort again, fighting hard to try and control my laughter.
    CJ rolls his eyes at me before looking back down to Mia. “Any chance you could give me a loan, kid? I mean, most that dosh in there is mine anyhow,’’ he asks, his eyes twinkling as he grins down at her, rubbing his hands together.
    “I’ll give you one shiny coin,’’ she offers, holding a pound coin up. “For some paper money.’’
    I giggle. CJ was right. She is too clever and it’s freaking ace to see her wrap the two biggest, muscled men I know around her little finger. She’s a genius. Something also tells me CJ would happily take the offer just to appease the little girl if he had the money, just wanting to see her smile. It melts my heart.
    “Pretty sure I’d be losing more money,’’ he smirks.
    “Need to make my money somehow,’’ she answers, like it’s a rehearsed speech that’s she said once before.
    “You tell him snot face,’’ Cole smirks, fisting bumping Mia. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing him smirk, smile or laugh. It’s like seeing a rare species.
    When he sees me staring a blank look replaces his smirk, like he’s afraid I’ll take a picture or something.
    Too late buddy, I’ve got a photographic memory.
    “Turn that frown upside down,’’