Page 91 of Eternal

“Mm-hmm.” He steps back, grinning as he watches me. “I’ll be back. Don’t worry.”

“I never do.” I cross my arms over my chest.

Kole pulls Violet closer. “Stay with your friends until we return.”

I can’t tell whether it’s a threat or concern, but when he follows it up by whispering something in her ear that makes her cheeks turn bright red, I assume she isn’t bothered by it.

When he pulls away, he and Declan disappear into the crowd. And the moment they’re gone, Mila pulls Violet and me into a huddle.

“Umm, what the fuck was that, Teal?” Mila’s eyes are wide. “I know there’s a fine line between love and hate, but you are aware you just kissed Declan, aren’t you? As inDeclan Pierce,your archnemesis.”

“Are we superheroes now?”

“Don’t try and change the subject.” She rests the back of her hand on my forehead. “Are you feeling okay? Feverish? Hallucinating?”

She pats my cheek like she’s checking on me.

“I’m fine.” I brush her off. “It’s complicated.”

“Complicated?” Mila’s eyebrows pinch. “That’s one way to explain it. At least now I understand why Patience is so mad at you. I thought you and Declan were justbecoming friends for Violet’s sake or something. But she found out about this, didn’t she?”

“More or less.”

“Forget Patience.” Violet reaches for my hand. “But seriously, Teal, what’s going on? Last time I talked to you about Declan, you threw up a giant warning sign and told me to stay away.”

A group of girls to our right are watching me, and I don’t like how their gazes are mocking as one whispers in another’s ear.

“Can we talk somewhere else?” I turn back to my friends. “Anywhere else, preferably.”

“Come.” Mila grabs both our hands and pulls us through the crowd, pushing through a group coming out of a bathroom.

She shoves both Violet and me inside and then locks the door behind us.

Violet props herself against the sink while Mila turns her back to the door, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Spill.” Mila looks from me to Violet. “I want to know everything.”

“Everything…” I glance at Violet, who is biting her lip.

“Wait, you have news too?” Mila throws her hands up. “That’s it. You’re both being cagey. Tell me what’s going on, or we’re never leaving this bathroom.”

“Don’t look at me,” Violet says defensively. “I’m not the one dating Declan.”

“Obviously, considering he’s your brother.” I cross my arms over my chest, throwing it back at her when she tries to toss me under the bus.

“Your brother?” Mila gasps. “Seriously?”

“Yes.” Violet sighs, lifting off the sink. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I’m still processing the news. I haven’t even talked to Declan about it.”

“I shouldn’t have said that.” I instantly feel guilty when that wasn’t my secret to tell.

“It’s okay.” Violet offers a soft smile. “It feels good to finally be getting it out. After all, it’s the truth. Declan is my brother.”

Her face winces, and it’s clear she’s still not thrilled.

“If it makes you feel better, my dad is trying to marry me off to Jase Ivans,” I admit.

“He can’t do that.” Mila’s eyes widen. “What century does he think this is?”

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