Page 89 of Truth or Dare

Neil hesitated, glancing at me again. “Hudson gave us a ride home. That’s it.”

Another loaded silence. I held my breath, praying Evan would accept the lie.

“Fine,” he finally said. “Put Presley back on.”

Neil handed me the phone, his expression worried. I took it, trying to keep my voice calm. “See? I wasn’t lying.”

Evan let out a tense sigh, sounding slightly mollified. “Fine. But you’re coming over tonight. No excuses.”

I bit my lip, determined to avoid him. “I told you, we’re having company.”

“Then after,” he demanded, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

“Maybe,” I said, not committing. “I’ll let you know.”

“Call me back.”

The line went dead, and I released a shaky breath. I’d bought myself a little time, but Evan wasn’t backing down. The fear of having to go to his place gnawed at me. I had to find that notebook and get out before this went any further.

Neil stepped into the room,his damp hair sticking to his forehead as he sank down onto my bed, gnawing on his thumbnail. His gaze flickered with unease. “Presley?” His voice held a slight tremor.

I looked up from the book I was pretending to read, schooling my expression into nonchalance. “Trying to finish this for a report due Monday,” I said, letting the lie roll off my tongue, hiding the truth that the deadline was still a week away.

He edged closer, searching my face. “What if Evan asks me…about everything?” He hesitated, but his eyes spoke volumes.

I straightened, forcing my voice to sound steady. “Stick to the story, Neil. Don’t tell him anything else,” I replied firmly, leaving no room for debate.

His shoulders sagged, but he nodded, biting his lip. “I get it. But, Presley, you’ve got to be straight with me. Why are you dating Evan while…you know, being with Hudson?” His voice softened, laced with genuine concern. “What’s really going on?”

Heat flushed my cheeks, and shame prickled up my spine. How could I begin to explain the twisted mess I'd dragged myself into? I took a deep breath. “It’s…complicated,” I managed, my voice barely a whisper.

Neil’s frown deepened, and he leaned in, his tone imploring. “Pres, talk to me. I’m your brother. I can handle it.”

A knot tightened in my stomach. But he deserved the truth—at least part of it. “Neil, what I’m about to say can’t leave this room. You have to swear.”

He straightened, eyes widening. “Of course. You know I wouldn’t say a word.”

I picked at a frayed edge on my comforter, gathering my courage. “It’s Evan…” I paused, feeling the weight of the words. “He’s…blackmailing me.”

Neil sat bolt upright, fury sparking in his eyes. “Are you serious? That—he’s blackmailing you? With what?”

I shook my head quickly, gripping his arm. “I can’t give you details. The less you know, the better.” I squeezed his arm, desperation leaking into my tone. “Please, Neil. Don’t let on that you know anything. To Evan or anyone else. Promise me.”

He clenched his jaw, his anger barely contained. But after a long, tense moment, he nodded. “Fine. I promise. But why stay with him? And why involve Hudson in all this?”

I wrapped my arms around myself, leaning back against the headboard with a weary sigh. “It’s complicated. I’m handling it.But you can’t breathe a word of this.” I searched his face. “Please, trust me.”

His shoulders drooped as anger softened into concern. “Okay. You have my word,” he said, reaching over to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “But you know I’m here for you, right? Whatever you need.”

I blinked back the burning in my eyes, managing a shaky smile. “Thanks, Neil. Just stay out of his way. A few more weeks, and football’s done.”

“Until baseball,” he murmured, the doubt thick in his voice.

“It’ll be over by then,” I promised, forcing a confidence I didn’t feel. “I’ll make sure of it.”

He nodded, giving my foot a gentle squeeze before standing. “I think I’ll take a nap,” he mumbled, rubbing his temples.

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Seriously?”

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