Page 76 of Truth or Dare

Evan’s expression softened, just for a moment, loosening his hold. “You hurt me, Presley. You cut me off without a word.”

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt despite myself. “I tried to talk to you, but you wouldn’t listen. And what about Reagan? Aren’t you with her now?”

His lips twisted into a cold smile. “She’s a good time, that’s all. Can’t help it if she’s delusional.”

The sting of Reagan’s betrayal dulled now, knowing he’d only used her to get back at me. But I also felt sorry for her—she’d been my friend once.

“I’m with Hudson now,” I said, voice steady.

Evan’s grip tightened again, fingers pressing hard into my waist. “Not if you want him to stay out of prison. You think breaking into my house is going to slide? He’s on thin ice already with that assault charge. One wrong move, and he’s locked up.”

I gasped, barely able to breathe. “How… how do you even know that?”

His fingers dug deeper, a malicious glint in his eye. “Doesn’t matter how I know. It’s true. He goes down, and you’re next.”

I twisted, managing to jab my elbow into his ribs. He grunted, loosening his hold just enough for me to slip free. I backed up, my chest tight, trying to keep distance between us.

“Why are you doing this?” My voice broke despite me.

He smirked, lifting his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen. “You know exactly why. Now, make your choice.”

“You’re sick,” I whispered, taking another step back.

Evan followed, his expression twisted with dark satisfaction. I hit the wall, his frame looming over me, trapping me. “Oh, I’m more than that. You play by my rules, or I’ll make sure both youand Hudson pay. And remember, there’s a statute of limitations on your little crime.”

He stepped back, smug, reaching for his coffee on the bench. He took a slow, deliberate sip, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“What are you talking about?” I demanded, fists clenched.

“Oh, you know.” He looked down at me, his voice cold and mocking. “Break up with me, and I’ll make the calls. Good luck getting into college with a record. I hear the grocery store’s always hiring.”

“You’re a piece of shit!”

He tossed the empty cup in the trash, pushing open the door. He paused just long enough to flash me a wry smile.

“See you at lunch. Don’t keep me waiting, or you’ll regret it.”

The nausea was relentless,gnawing at me through each class leading up to lunch. The thought of falling back into Evan’s clutches was enough to make me want to sprint to the nurse’s office, tell her I had some sudden, vicious stomach virus. But after being suspended, my mom wouldn’t tolerate another absence—especially not for “sickness.”

I moved through the halls like a ghost, my steps barely registering, my mind in a fog. When I finally made it to the bathroom, I pushed the door open and let it swing shut behind me, desperate for just one quiet moment to catch my breath.

“Presley?” Reagan’s voice sliced through my haze.

I ducked into the last stall, closing the door and sitting on the seat, gripping my knees. Her boots tapped closer, stopping just outside my stall.

“Pres? What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice tight with concern.

I sucked in a deep breath, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Nothing.”

The silence held for a second, and then I heard her bag drop to the floor with a dull thud. Slowly, I emerged from the stall, catching her reflection in the mirror as she applied a fresh layer of gloss, running her tongue over her lips before tossing the tube into her purse. I looked at myself beside her, pale and drawn, my eyes almost lifeless.

Reagan nudged me with her elbow, forcing a small smile. “Are we having lunch together?”

I hesitated, my mind racing through the excuse I’d rehearsed all morning. Evan and I had broken up in a mess that people had gossiped about for days. But now…now he had his claws in me again, and I knew exactly why. But I couldn’t tell her that.

I put a hand on her shoulder, forcing myself to speak. “Actually, I’m...sitting with Evan today.”

Reagan’s face froze, her lips parting as she absorbed my words. “What?”

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