Page 106 of The Devils They Are

"Parker?" I whisper heatedly. "You like Parker?"

"Shut up!" she hisses, cheeks flushing bright red. "I didn't say that."

"You're staring right at him."

Soph buries her face into her hands. "Argh. Stop."

"Oh, my God. You like him," I grin.

"I will end you, Bex. Stop talking."

"Aww," I tease, pinching her cheek. "You're so cute when you're angry."

She narrows her eyes on me, before the expression changes and she's back to being all embarrassed. "Don't tell him. I know he runs in your circle."

"I won't," I promise. "But maybe you should ask him to the dance."

Soph blinks at me, perplexed. "We're going together—you, me, and Abby. And Archer too, but he's non-negotiable baggage."

"I can hear you!" Arch grumbles from his ladder.

"I meant for you to hear that!" Soph shoots back, poking her tongue out.

I lean against the ladder, taking the opportunity to glance around the room. It's slowly coming together. They really went for the dark theme—every decoration is red, black, or dark blue. Streamers are making their way across the roof, while dozens of balloons turn up spontaneously.

A group of jocks start dragging tables and chairs in, and when the bell finally rings, we all breathe a sigh of relief. Now it's the next group's turn for torture.

The three of us head past Dean Lannister, his eyes turning cold when they land on me. Pausing, I glance at Soph, and she reads my mind, the two of us curtsying at the same time.

The older man gapes at us, looking like he's been clam-slammed in the face. Archie groans, grabbing both of our arms and dragging us away before we end up in detention.

We're still clinging to each other, laughing loudly, that I don't see the body approaching before I smash into it.

"Watch where you're going!" the shrill voice yells.

Straightening up, I cock an eyebrow at Liv. Dressed in her usual cheerleader uniform, I spot her minions behind her. Sierra sneers at me, dramatically flicking her hair over her shoulders. Peyton seems reserved as always, eyes glued to the floor.

"Oh, are you going to hang decorations?" I ask.

Liv scoffs at the idea. "I don't think so. We don't do manual labor."

"I guess that explains why Rylan got sick of you," Soph mumbles loudly.

Sticky pink lips part in anger, and I see a blur of white and black. My body reacts on its own, pushing Sophia out of the way of the charging cheerleader.

Apparently, Liv seems happy with the alternative, her hands darting straight for my hair. She rips on my ponytail, yanking my head down.

She did NOT just fucking do that…

I hate stereotypical bitchy girl fights. There's no honor in them. Nail scratching and hair pulling is a cheap tactic.

Launching an uppercut into her stomach, Liv groans, doubling over. Sierra jumps in, likely remembering the last time Liv and I got physical with each other.

The two of them throw punches and grab my arms, attempting to pin me down. To my surprise, Soph lunges at Sierra, jumping onto her back. The two of them squeal, falling to the floor in a heap of flailing limbs.

Liv doesn't care about the welfare of her friend, going straight for my face with her sharp acrylics. Just as I go to block it, a hand snaps out and grabs her wrist.

"That's enough, Olivia."

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