Page 47 of Truth or Dare

He reached back, snapping on the light. The sudden glow softened his face, and I ran my hand over the rough stubble on his chin, feeling the warmth of him under my touch.

“You’re part of this too,” I murmured. “We have to decide together.”

His gaze softened. “Pres, I know what you’re afraid of.”

I pulled back, frowning. “Afraid? Of what?”

“Your image. You think dumping Evan would change how people see you.” He paused, his thumb brushing over my cheekbone. “But it would elevate you. You don’t need him to make you popular or to make your year. If you want, we can keep this quiet until you’re ready. I’ll wait for you.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Because I love you.”

My heart stuttered, and I looked down, pressing my fingers against his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath my hand. “And what about Reagan?”

A slow grin spread across his face. “Until we’re out in the open? I’ll just keep hanging with her—and of course, the kissing will stay on the table.”

I smacked his arm, my mouth dropping open. “Seriously? You wouldn’t!”

He let out a soft chuckle, wrapping his arms around me. “Of course not. You’ve been my goal all along.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, studying his face. “Did you… did you plan this? When you moved back?”

“Once Mom told me we were moving back, I might’ve done a little stalking.” He grinned, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Your Instagram’s full of pictures with you and dickhead. I knew I had my work cut out for me—you looked so happy.”

“I wasn’t,” I admitted softly. “I thought I was. Until you came back.”

His fingers laced through mine, giving a reassuring squeeze. “Then fight for your happiness, Pres. Learn to value yourself. Ayn Rand wrote something like that. And it’s true.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Ayn Rand? You read?”

Hudson smiled, a flash of something boyish breaking through his intensity. “All the time. When Mom was working late, I’d find a spot at the library nearby and just read until they’d kick me out. That library was my home for a long time.”

My fingers traced his jaw, the memory of all those years without him pressing in. “Truth? I cried after you moved. I hated recess because you weren’t there. I just… threw myself into activities, anything to fill that gap you left.”

“So, you don’t actually like cheerleading?” he teased, brushing a knuckle under my chin.

I snorted, rolling my eyes. “Not really. But it’s a good excuse to keep an eye on Neil.”

His gaze darkened a fraction. “You’re worried Evan might take things out on your brother?”

I nodded, the thought making my stomach twist. “Evan doesn’t let things go. And Neil… he’s young. Loves hanging out with the older guys. But he’s too trusting.”

Hudson’s jaw clenched, his expression hardening. “I won’t let him hurt Neil.”

A pang of relief washed over me as I brushed my fingers over his hand, squeezing it. “Thank you.”

He lifted my hand to his lips, his eyes never leaving mine. “For you, Pres? Anything.”

CHAPTER 14

Hudson

We agreed to keep things quiet until Presley cut ties with Evan, but I could sense something else was holding her back. She hadn’t said it, but I knew.

During morning break, I slipped outside behind the woodshop, lighting a cigarette for a quick drag before heading to class. The nicotine settled my nerves. As the second bell rang, I slid into my seat, just in time. Reagan took the spot next to me, her hand immediately landing on my knee. I brushed it off, keeping my gaze straight ahead.

She narrowed her eyes, leaning close. “What’s going on?”

I exhaled slowly. “I can’t do this anymore,” I whispered back.

Her eyes flashed with hurt and confusion. “You promised,” she hissed.

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