“Why?” Ryan’s voice cracked out.

Isabelle blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”

The boy’s jaw clenched, his finger stabbing in Aimee’s direction. “Why are you the one bringing her to school?” His words dripped with hostility.

Isabelle straightened slowly, meeting his fierce little glare. “And why is that your concern?” she asked evenly, brushing it off.

Ryan reeled as though she’d struck him. “Because—” His small fists balled up, his ...