Page 81 of Truth or Dare

“As long as it takes. I’ll dig around, see where he keeps his stash. He wouldn’t want people to know his crew’s little secrets.”

“They might retaliate, Pres. You know that.”

A spark of defiance lit her eyes. “They can try. They’ve got nothing on me.”

I kissed her, feeling her smile against my lips as she shifted, curling into me, her head resting on my chest. I pulled the blanket over us, just holding her close, ignoring the urge for more, letting the need wait.

Evan Braddock wouldn’t win. Not this time. I’d make sure of it.

CHAPTER 24

Presley

Evan leaned close, his breath hot against my ear. "Come over tonight," he murmured, his fingers tightening around my arm as he spoke.

For days now, he'd been pressuring me, backing me into corners, demanding more. I had to get into his house, find that notebook, and end this twisted game. It was the only way to keep Hudson safe. But just the thought of being alone with Evan made my skin crawl.

"I can’t," I said, my voice barely steady.

Evan’s grip turned to steel, and he shot me a hard glare. "You keep saying no. Maybe I should just take that video straight to the cops." His voice dripped with threat, and his eyes sparked with a sick satisfaction.

I dug my nails into his hand, trying to pry myself free. "You won’t let me forget, will you? You forced me into this," I hissed.

Evan’s jaw twitched, and he leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. "And if you keep stalling, I might just take a little field trip to the police station." He let me go with a shove, his lips twisting into a smug grin as I stumbled back.

Over his shoulder, I saw Hudson watching us. His fists were clenched, his face dark with fury as he took in the scene. His gaze locked on mine, and I felt a surge of panic; he was ready to explode.

I whispered, "Why do you have to be such an asshole?"

Evan’s smile grew, malicious and ugly. "Why do you have to be such a tease? Bet you’ve been with that little bitch, Hudson. How many times have you slept with him, huh?" His voice was low and venomous.

My heart pounded. "I haven’t been with anyone," I lied, hoping he’d believe me.

He stroked a knuckle down my cheek, savoring the way I tensed. "Good. I want to be the one to break that little rule." He licked his lips slowly. "I’ll be gentle, Presley. At least, the first time."

The bell rang, a sudden, jarring noise that broke the tension. Before I could move, Evan pressed his lips against mine, hard and possessive. "See you at lunch," he whispered, and then he was gone, leaving me frozen in place.

Hudson stormed toward me as the last of the students hurried to their classes. His jaw was tight, his eyes wild. "I’ll turn myself in," he said, voice barely above a whisper.

"No," I insisted. "We have to be smart about this."

"Bathroom. Now." He pointed across the hall at the girls' restroom. Without a second thought, I followed him inside, not caring if anyone saw us.

Hudson paced to the window, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag, his hands shaking. "I’m going to kill him, Pres. I swear I will." He blew the smoke out in a fierce gust, his shoulders tense.

"I just need to get into his house. That notebook has to be in his room," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. The notebook was the only way to end Evan’s control over us.

He turned, his expression dark and unforgiving. "But at what price, Presley? He’ll try to hurt you. And what if he records it? You’d be giving him more to hold over you."

My heart twisted painfully because he was right. Evan would expect me to give him everything, and it sickened me. But I couldn’t stand the idea of Hudson paying for my mistakes.

"I have a plan," I blurted, hoping to soothe his fury, even if it was a lie.

Hudson’s eyes narrowed. "What plan?" His voice was sharp, suspicious.

I glanced down, unable to meet his gaze. "I just... liked being with you. In your arms."

"Presley," he growled, his tone low and warning.

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