It’s no secret Tav and Luca are going out. After the accident, it’s also no secret that new kid Jack Collins has a raging case of homophobia, and is not best pleased about having given the kiss of life to a gay guy. Either Luca quits swimming, or Jack is going to make him.<br><br>Tav favours the tried-and-true method of knocking Jack’s teeth down his neck, only he can’t really afford another school suspension. Luca favours just ignoring him, only ignoring a penknife being held to your throat at New Year’s Eve is downright stupid.<br><br>Thing is, Luca suspects Jack is a victim of something himself. And time is running out for Luca to get through to Jack, before Jack gets rid of him.

The Italian Word for Kisses

“He’s said stuff. He’s afraid of me. Like, he’s actually afraid, he’s not just a bigot with a big mouth, he’s actually freaked out by me―”


“That’s no fucking excuse to knife you,” Antonio snarled.


“You’re not fucking listening!” Luca snapped. “Jack’s got something wrong and he needs help, not―”


“Bully for Jack, I need my kid brother not getting knifed in swimming pools!”


“If either one of you say one more word, I will take the arrest and belt both of you!” Paul thundered. The policewomen were both suddenly extremely interested in their notebooks. “Antonio, shut your gob. Luca, tell the truth. Did he pull a knife on you in the changing rooms because you’re gay?”


Luca clenched his jaw. “No comment.”


Chapter 64