Page 68 of Truth or Dare

I wrapped my arm around her, letting her warmth settle over me. “Anytime.”

I didn’t seePresley until lunch, and by the time I got there, I was already late—just in time for the fireworks.

The slap she unleashed cracked through the nearly silent lunchroom, freezing everyone mid-bite. She was shouting as Reagan tried to push her back from Evan, who stood there rubbing his cheek, his face twisted with rage.

“You filthy, dirty cunt,” Evan spat, voice low and venomous. “Don’t you ever touch me again!”

Presley’s eyes blazed, and she swung wildly over Reagan’s shoulder, her hand aiming for any part of Evan she could reach. “You’re a piece of shit!” she shrieked, shoving Reagan aside.

I hurried forward, but by the time I reached them, she’d barreled into Evan, knocking him off balance. They both crashed to the floor, limbs tangled, and Evan scrambled to roll on top of her. Without thinking, I lunged, grabbing the collar of his rugby shirt and hauling him off her. He thrashed in my grip, but I didn’t let go.

“Say one more word about her,” I shouted, voice sharp with warning, “and I’ll knock your teeth down your throat.”

A hand clamped onto my shoulder, yanking me back—it was Ray Edmonds, an old friend from before I moved. He held me firm, muttering for me to calm down. I shook him off, eyes still on Evan.

Presley got to her feet, her face flushed, and hands balled into fists as she moved to stand by Reagan. Her voice was shaking with rage. “How could you do that?” she demanded.

Evan opened his mouth, but before he could answer, the cafeteria monitors were on us, rounding us up and herding us toward the Dean’s office. I slipped my hand into Presley’s as we walked, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“You should’ve waited,” I whispered to her.

Her jaw was clenched, her lips pressed tight as she walked, her body tense with unspent anger. I could feel her hand trembling slightly in mine. Up ahead, Evan cast a smug glance back, his arm wrapped possessively around Reagan’s shoulders. She looked uncomfortable, but I knew it was the betrayal in Presley’s eyes that stung her the most.

It was twisted. The whole agreement had been a mess from the start. Presley wanted Evan, and I wanted Presley. But the way things had turned out… I had to tell her the truth before it all blew up in my face. I couldn’t lose her, not after everything.

We sat in the small, stuffy vestibule outside the Dean’s office, the silence thick and tense. Evan leaned forward, eyes locked on Presley, a sneer creeping across his face.

“Fucking slut,” he muttered under his breath.

I clenched my fists. “Call her that again, and I’ll end you,” I growled, my voice low but deadly.

Presley laughed sharply, her eyes flashing with defiance. “It’s the best he can do,” she said, her voice dripping with scorn. “Shaming me has always been his favorite pastime.”

She turned to Reagan, her gaze icy. “You should get out while you can. He isn’t worth it.”

Evan snickered, unfazed, and grabbed himself crudely. “At least she’s not scared to handle my snake,” he sneered.

I barked out a laugh. “Funny, because I heard it’s more of a worm.”

Evan’s face went crimson, and his arm slipped off Reagan’s shoulders as he leaned forward, muscles coiling. I tensed, ready for him to make a move, but then the Dean’s door creaked open, and Mr. Gilmore stepped out, a deep frown etched onto his face.

“Mr. Evert,” he said, pointing a finger directly at me. “I’m growing tired of seeing you in my office. You’re first.”

He held the door open, his bushy gray eyebrows drawn into a scowl that promised trouble.

I didn’t tellmy mother. Two days—just two days of suspension. It was becoming a habit, and I’d already promised her I wouldn’t get suspended again. I untied my boots, kicked them off, and stretched out on my bed, too tired to think. I was drifting off when I heard Presley’s soft footsteps.

She bounded onto the bed, shaking me fully awake. “My parents are going to kill me,” she groaned.

“Why?” I asked, cracking an eye open. “It’s senior year. Don’t tell them.”

She nestled her face near my ear. “Won’t work. Neil knows, and my dad plays golf with Mr. Gilmore.”

I chuckled. “You’re toast.”

She traced the curve of my ear with her tongue, her voice sulky. “My mom’s probably going to make me scrub every inch of the house. She’s out at some charity thing tomorrow, though.”

I rolled her on top of me, feeling the warmth of her body settle against mine. “Let’s pay Evan a little visit tomorrow.”

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