Page 96 of Bittersweet Revenge

“Oh, that’s amazing! Oh, Antoine, I’m so happy for you!”

He chuckled. “Yes, and I think our fake relationship won’t last the distance. Have you told Esmeralda yet?”

“About college?”

“Yes.”

“In a way. In passing.” She sighed.

“So, no.”

“I will…soon. What are you doing?”

“Texting them. I have news to share.”

It took me a second to realize what that meant, but it was a second too long as both mine and Archibald's phones pinged at the reception of the text.

We both froze, looking at each other, each hoping that maybe they hadn’t heard it, but I should have known better. When was the last time life had given me a break?

The door openedand I faced a smirkingSt. Vincent and a glaring Oppenheimer.

“Well, well, well. Here are two guys I never thought would come out of the closet,” Antoine challenged, his grin widening.

“Maybe we should switch places. It’s clearly where you belong,” Archibald snapped. “Isn’t that right, hypocrite?”

I frowned at him. Archibald was an asshole, but he was not a bigot. “What’s got into you?” I asked after we exited the closet.

“I hate being taken for a fool. I thought you would understand.”

Bullseye. He’d gone straight for blood, but he was right.

“It’s not about you, Archibald,” Taylor spat. “Contrary to popular belief, you are not the center of the universe.”

“Seriously guys, we need to stop that! I can’t keep getting out of class by pretending I need to pee! The teachers will start to think I have a weak bladder,” Esmeralda scowled with exasperation as she entered the room. I was grateful for the distraction.

“Or prone to a UTI with all the sex you’re having with Mr. Hotshot!” Antoine pointed at me.

I cocked my head to the side. It was not a completely crazy assumption.

“Caleb!” she exclaimed. “Don’t agree with him!”

“You’re gay?” Archibald asked Antoine. Ah, yep, we were still on that.

Esmeralda threw me a side look and I shook my head. She really didn't want to know.

Archibald looked at her and his scowl deepened. “You knew too?!”

She returned his gaze with wide eyes, like a deer caught in the headlights. I tensed immediately, my instinct to protect her overwhelming.

“You knew how miserable I was and you didn't think about sharing?”

“Archie, it wasn’t my secret to share.”

“I am your brother Esme, not him.” He pointed to Antoine. “Not her.” He pointed to Taylor. “But me. I’m your blood. Your loyalty should be to me!” he barked, taking another step closer.

I stood in front of her. “And I think you should chill the fuck out. Right now.”

Archibald’s eyes flared with anger. “Are you protecting her from me?” He gestured from his chest to mine as if it was the most ludicrous thing in the world. In retrospect, it was.

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