Page 89 of North

He recoils and holds up his hands in surrender.

I toss my head Farren’s way and say, “I suggest you make it right and you might come out of this alive.”

Daniel makes a choking sound but doesn’t intervene. I don’t dare look at him.

“I’m sorry!” Liam blurts, his voice shaking as he turns to Farren. “I’m so sorry. For everything. For the bet, the pictures… all of it. I was a stupid kid, and I didn’t realize how much I hurt you. Please, I’m sorry.”

Farren stares at him, her expression unreadable.

Liam nods quickly, tears welling in his eyes. “I was an asshole. I ruined everything. I’m sorry, Farren. Please forgive me because I don’t want to die.”

There’s a long silence and Farren looks to Rafferty, then to me. “Whose idea was this?”

I point at her brother. “But I was all in once hesuggested it.”

“Oh my God,” she says with a peal of laughter. “You two are ridiculous.” Liam sniffles, his eyes pleading with her to save him. “They’re not going to kill you.”

“We might,” Rafferty says with a sinister grin.

“They’re not,” Farren says firmly and glares at her brother a moment. “But would you mind getting him out of here?”

“Say you forgive me,” Liam pleads.

Farren rolls her eyes. “I forgive you, you big crybaby. Are you happy?”

Liam sags with relief, but when he turns to Rafferty, he flinches at the cold look in his eyes.

“You’re free to go,” Rafferty says, his voice flat.

“Can I—uh—get a ride back?” Liam asks hesitantly.

“Nope,” I say, grabbing him by the arm and marching him to the door. I shove him out onto the porch. “Find your own way home.” He walks on unsteady legs down the steps. “And Liam?”

He glances back at me, fear on his face.

“I suggest you keep this to yourself. It’s over. Got it?”

“Got it,” he replies, nodding so hard I’m afraid his head will dislodge from his shoulders. “It’s over.”

Back inside, I find Farren laughing along with her mom, her dad looking a little on edge. But Marie slips her arm around his waist and says, “Lighten up, Daniel.”

Farren throws her arms around me. “That was themost amazing thing anyone has ever done for me.”

I grin, pulling her into my arms. “Anything for you.”

She tips her face up to mine, her eyes shining. “I love you, North.”

“I love you too,” I say, kissing her deeply, the warmth of her words settling into my soul.

For the first time, everything feels exactlyas it should be.

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