Page 80 of Truth or Dare

“See the Dean please.”

I didn’t say anything further and gathered my books as everyone watched me leave the room. I didn’t go to the dean, instead ducking into the bathroom to smoke a cigarette near the window. I took my time, but the dean was waiting for me when I arrived at the front office. He ushered me inside.

“Mr. Evert, one day back and you’re already in trouble?”

I sank into one of the orange plastic chairs in front of his desk. “Not really.”

“Detention today and have some respect. The teachers are here for your benefit.”

I resisted making a snide comment, instead keeping silent. He handed me a slip of paper with my punishment and dismissed me. I needed a cigarette and dodged the hall monitors then slipped through the empty gym. There was no one outside and I lit up, taking a few drags until I heard voices.

I spentthe rest of the day stewing in silence, dodging the cafeteria. No way was I about to watch Evan drape himself all over Presley like she was his prize. Instead, I ducked out to the pizza place off-campus, snagging a slice. For all the security this place flaunted, they’d yet to catch me sneaking off, or catching a smoke.

I skipped film history too. The more I thought about Presley “dating” Evan to keep him off my back, the angrier I got. She didn’t owe him that—she owed him nothing. The rain wascoming down harder as I waited for the guard to swing around to the other side of the lot.

Once he did, I sprinted for my truck, the cold rain seeping through my jacket as I slipped inside and ducked low, watching the guard roll on by. The second he passed, I fired up the truck, cracked the window, and lit a cigarette, pulling deep, letting it calm the churn in my gut.

Rain beat down like crazy, the roads flooding in minutes. Typical fall storm. I kept the music loud, an old Zeppelin tape of Dad’s blasting "In the Evening" through the speakers. I sang along at the top of my lungs, letting the memory of my dad fill the cab. The ache in my chest twisted, and I wasn’t paying attention as I pulled up to the driveway.

Presley’s knock on the windshield startled me, sending my heart racing. I glanced out, and there she was, soaked through, her hair plastered to her face as I lowered the window.

"Skipping class, huh?" Her voice had an edge, her brows drawn tight. "I could ask you the same thing."

"Couldn’t watch you with him, Pres." My jaw clenched as I looked away, the words laced with anger and something else—something raw.

She reached in, her cold hand finding mine. “I’m protecting you, Hudson.”

I shook her off, pushing the door open and stepping out, grabbing her by the elbow.

“Come inside.” She didn’t argue, just followed as I led her down to my room, the silence heavy between us. Once the door shut, her hand reached up, pulling my jacket from my shoulders. She made quick work of my shirt, tugging it over my head, her wet fingers cool against my skin. I kissed her, fierce and desperate, as her hands moved to my belt.

Her lips hovered at my ear. "He doesn’t know I’m gone,” she murmured, her fingers pressing into my back. “I told him I felt sick and got a note.”

“Just left,” I muttered into her neck, the heat from her skin melting through the chill in me. “Got detention for it. Won’t be there, either.”

“Hudson.” Her eyes flashed as she pulled back. “You can’t just keep bailing.”

“I’ll figure it out tomorrow. They can think I got my days mixed up.” I crushed her to me, breathing her in, letting her warmth bleed into me. "But you don’t have to keep this up, Pres. The deal with him—he’s not worth it.”

Her gaze dropped, voice barely a whisper. “I don’t want to.”

“Then don’t.” I held her close, refusing to let go. “You’re not really dating him. Not in here.”

Her arms tightened around me, but I felt her hesitation. “Hudson, I don’t want you getting into trouble. I’m doing this to protect you.”

I swallowed hard, tracing my fingers along her arm. “Let me worry about that.”

I walked her to the bed, easing her down onto the rumpled sheets. She scooted back, curling into my pillow. I stood, just watching her, every inch of me aching.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” I murmured, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

She laughed softly. “Even when I was twelve and all braces and bad haircuts?”

I smiled, settling beside her. “Even then.” She touched my face, her thumb brushing my cheek, and I leaned into her hand, craving her touch like air.

“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid,” she whispered. “Evan…he’s got dirt on people. I’ll find it. Then we’ll have something on him.”

I kissed her shoulder. “How long?”

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