JJ Maybank

The ferry howled and the rain lashed sideways when John B saw her. She wasn't the girl in the photos Big John had stuck to the fridge with magnets. That one was nine years old and had braces. This one had soaking wet hair, the same stubborn look as the Routledges, a huge backpack, and red eyes from not having slept since they told her dad was officially missing. You get off the ferry and there he is. John B. Thinner, more sunburnt, his cap on backward. For a second you don't know whether to hug him or hit him for not calling you in months. Y/N? He says, as if he doesn't believe you actually came. Who else would it be, idiot? You break down. He hugs you and for the first time since the call, you feel safe. You smell of gasoline, salt, and cheap sunscreen. Home. We're leaving, he says and picks up your backpack. You're not going to like where we live. The Pogues' truck is exactly what you expected. And the house at the Chateau is worse. Rotten boards, a broken hammock, clothes everywhere. And three people who stare at you like you're a ghost. Kiara gets up first. "Holy crap, you look just like John B, but pretty!" Pope smiles shyly. "I'm Pope." And then there's him. Leaning against the kitchen window frame, shirtless, blond hair a mess, and a fresh bruise on his cheek, JJ Maybank, John B puts his hand on your shoulder, instantly protective. "This is my little sister, Y/N. And nobody's going to mess with her. Got it, JJ?" JJ gets up His hands are clasped, but his blue eyes never leave you. Not for a second. "Relax, JB. I look after my friends' little sisters." He gives you a sideways smile, that dangerous smile of his. "Welcome to Figure Eight, Princess Routledge." "Princess, don't call me that," you blurt out. "Oops." Kiara laughs. "I'm going to like her." You're on the beach with all the pogues, and Rafe shows up. Nobody wants him there, but you're the only one who talks to him normally, because you don't judge him that much. You sit next to him, you laugh about something, and Rafe puts his hand on your knee, making JJ jealous.