Page 82 of Truth or Dare

I glanced at my phone, catching the time. "Shit, we’re five minutes late."

Hudson shrugged, still fuming. "I’ll probably get suspended anyway, after skipping detention. My mom’s going to lose it."

I grabbed his sleeve, pulling him closer until his lips crashed against mine. The taste of cigarette smoke and coffee lingered on his breath, blending with the heat of his kiss. His hands tangled in my hair, and his mouth moved against mine with a desperation that sent a thrill through me.

When he pulled back, I was breathless, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Go to class, Presley," he muttered, his voice rough. Then, with a quick, playful smack, he sent me on my way. But as I walked away, all I could think about was Evan—and the lengths I’d go to make him pay.

Evan nudged me again,harder this time. I jerked my arm away, gritting my teeth to keep from snapping at him. My gaze drifted back to Hudson, who was at the far side of the cafeteria, laughing with two younger cheerleaders. Their eyes were glued to him as he grinned, tossing his head back at something one of them said. That easy charm of his could make anyone feel special. Anyone except me, apparently.

“Presley, did you even hear what I said?” Evan’s voice sliced through my thoughts, irritation sharp in his tone.

I tore my eyes from Hudson and forced myself to focus on Evan. “A party?” I echoed, catching the last part of his sentence.

“Yeah, a party,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “After the game. Randy’s parents are out for the weekend. His brother’s scoring a keg, so we’re crashing there.”

“Let me guess. I’m designated driver?” I asked dryly.

The number of times I'd played chauffeur while he got trashed was beyond counting. It was practically routine by now—me watching him stumble around, me rubbing his back as he vomited in the bushes, me waiting for him to sober up enough to make it home. The last thing I wanted was another night babysitting him.

Evan leaned closer, his voice lowering but still loud enough to draw attention. “No, tonight’s the night. We’re staying over, Presley.”

My stomach twisted. Reagan, sitting across from us, had her eyes trained on me, watching with barely concealed jealousy. She’d slept with Evan, and I knew it. Some best friend. But she couldn’t hide the green-eyed look of envy as she put on a sugary-sweet smile. "You two are spending the night together?"

Her voice dripped with faux innocence, but the jealousy in her eyes was unmistakable. I couldn’t help but see it now—Reagan wanted everything I had. The head cheerleader position, which I’d practically handed her. My boyfriend, though she was welcome to him. Even my life, down to the little things. She would’ve taken it all if I’d let her.

“Can I come, too?” The voice at my shoulder was my younger brother, Neil, his eyes bright with excitement.

I shook my head, forcing a stern look. “You should stay home, Neil.”

“Bullshit!” Evan clapped Neil on the back, laughing as if they’d been best friends for years. “You’re coming with us. I’ve got a game to show you.”

Neil’s eyes lit up, and he straightened, his grin stretching from ear to ear. Reagan sidled up beside him, draping her arm over his shoulders. “Don’t worry, Neil,” she cooed. “Stick with me, and I’ll teach you the ropes.”

Something twisted inside me. Neil was getting pulled under Evan’s influence, and Reagan… she was already working her way into his head. I didn’t trust either of them not to drag him down into whatever schemes they had in mind. But I couldn’t make a scene here, not with Neil’s hopeful smile tugging at my resolve.

“Fine. Do what you want,” I muttered, shoving my leftover lunch into my backpack, frustration simmering. Tonight, I’d talk to him, get him to see things clearly. But for now, he was under Evan’s spell, and I had to play along.

The cold bitthrough my coat as I hugged it tighter, my hood pulled low against the wind that whipped across the field. I’d drained my hot chocolate ten minutes ago, but it had barelymade a dent in the chill seeping into my bones. My parents sat up in the stands, shouting their encouragement, even though Neil was just sitting on the bench. I stayed back, lurking near the edge of the field, watching, waiting.

A hand on my shoulder made me jump. I spun around to find Hudson grinning, his eyes bright with mischief as he pulled me under the bleachers. His hand cupped my face as he leaned in, pressing his nose against my cheek.

"Are you insane?" I hissed, glancing around nervously.

"Insane? No." He tilted my chin up, his eyes blazing with a quiet dare. "Insane would be me kissing you while several hundred people are busy cheering on the team."

I swallowed hard, a thrill running through me, tempered only by worry. "If anyone sees us, they’ll tell Evan."

Hudson’s smirk faded, replaced by a look that was half-defiance, half-concern. "Are you still going to Randy’s house tonight?"

Reluctantly, I nodded. "Yeah. I don’t want to, but... I don’t trust Evan around Neil. My brother thinks he’s some kind of friend."

Hudson snorted, an edge creeping into his voice. "A friend? Would a friend get someone drunk and dump them on a driveway in the rain? Evan’s a bully."

"Yeah, he is." The weight of the truth felt heavier as I said it out loud.

Hudson clasped my hands, his warm fingers brushing over my cold skin. His thumbs traced slow circles, sending shivers through me that had nothing to do with the cold. He leaned in close, his voice low. "If Neil weren’t going, I’d tell you to come to my place."

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