Page 48 of Truth or Dare

“No. We agreed,” I corrected, keeping my voice low.

Before she could press further, the teacher launched into the lesson. I could feel her cold stare, practically drilling into the side of my head. When the bell rang, she yanked my sleeve before I could stand.

“What the hell, Hudson? You’re just gonna ditch me?” Her tone was sharp, barely contained.

“I’m done playing games, Reagan,” I said, stuffing my notebook into my bag.

She scoffed, her face hardening. “We’re not finished.”

I glanced at her. “Talk to Presley.”

“Why should I? What does she have to do with us?” she snapped, her voice cold and steely.

“You’ll see,” I muttered, brushing past her before she could throw another barb.

The break wasn’t enough. I ducked outside for a few more drags, steeling myself. When I finally made it to the cafeteria, I noticed a commotion near the radiators. Evan had Presley backed into a corner, his hand gripping her sleeve, his face red with anger.

“You little whore! We were on a break!” His voice was a roar that cut through the chatter of the lunchroom.

Red flashed in my vision. My fists clenched as I strode toward them. “Hey!” I shouted. “Get your hands off her.”

Evan shoved her, sending her stumbling backward—right into my arms. I tightened my hold around her waist, steadying her.

Evan’s glare burned as he turned to me, sneering. “And what are you gonna do about it?”

I held my ground, keeping Presley shielded behind me. “What I should’ve done a long time ago.”

He took a step forward, but Doug Vera stepped in, blocking him. Doug, one of the guys on the basketball team, gave me a look. “Let it go, man,” he said under his breath.

Evan sneered, looking between us. “You can have her. That prude’s tighter than a damn snare drum. She won’t put out.”

Presley sucked in a breath, her grip on my arm tightening, but I shot him a mocking grin. “Maybe it’s your delivery, or maybe… it’s your tiny dick.”

Evan’s face went beet red. He lunged, but Doug held him back. Pointing two fingers at me like a gun, he spat, “You’re dead, Evert. This isn’t over. Better watch your back.”

I shrugged, not letting the threat touch me. “Whenever you’re ready, Braddock. Bring it.”

Doug kept a hand on his chest, but I was done. I wrapped an arm around Presley and led her out of the cafeteria. We ducked into the quiet alcove near the art studios. She shivered, her face crumpling as she looked up at me.

“I told him it was over for good,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “He just lost it.”

I cupped her face, brushing away her tears with my thumb. “He’s a piece of trash, Pres. Don’t waste another thought on him.”

She sniffled, wiping her eyes. “It’s October, Hudson. I have to make it through the rest of the year without him.”

“You don’t need him. Skip cheerleading today. Come home with me.”

Her brows furrowed, a slight frown pulling at her lips. “I want to quit, Hudson. All of it.”

I gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. “Then do it. Walk away. Spend that time with me.”

“Take me home,” she whispered, a plea in her voice.

I pressed my forehead against hers, closing my eyes for a second. “I’ve got a history test next period. But you can go ahead and wait at my place. Mom’s out in the city for a client meeting. You’ll have the whole place to yourself. Take a nap in my bed. Wait for me there.”

She managed a weak smile. “Can I wear your sweatshirt?”

“Anything you want,” I murmured, tracing my thumb along her jawline.

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