Page 92 of Eternal

“I don’t know, but he’s not giving me a choice. That’s why Declan offered to help. So long as we’re fake dating, my father can’t do anything about it.”

“Sigma House rules?” Violet asks, and I nod. “I still don’t get why they’re so devoted to this place.”

“No one does.” Mila shakes her head. “But back up, Teal…Fake? It sure didn’t look fake when Declan basically peed on you in front of the entire party.”

“Peed on me?”

“Peed… claimed… whatever.” She shrugs. “That man was not faking that kiss just now.”

“It started off fake.” I sigh. “But then, I don’t know…”

“I do.” Mila smiles. “Thin line between love and hate, right?”

“I guess. I don’t know what we are. But he’s been here for me lately when I’ve needed it. That’s something.”

“That’s big.” Violet grabs my hand. “Is everything okay, Teal?”

“I’ve just been struggling a bit.” I look from one to the other. “Nothing I can’t keep under control.”

“If you’re having a hard time, you can come to us,” Mila says. “Even Patience. I know she’s been stressed, but it’s the four of us through thick and thin. Always.”

Violet nods. “We’re here for you.”

“I appreciate it.” If only it was that easy to let people in.

“Let’s make a pact,” Mila says, planting a hand on each of our shoulders. “No more secrets.”

“No more secrets,” Violet agrees, looking at me.

“I’ll try.” I nod. “No more secrets.”

“Good.” Mila releases us and rolls her shoulders back. “Now it sounds like we could all use a little fun right now. We’re at Sigma House, so let’s save these problems for tomorrow. Who wants to party, dance, and drink the night away?”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Sober fun for Teal,” Mila offers instead.

“Fine.”

I’m not going to sit in a corner waiting for Declan all night. I deserve a little fun too.

Mila fixes her hair in the mirror one final time, then opens the bathroom door. There’s a line of girls waiting outside it, and a group of five dips inside as we leave. One of them is Cora, and she glares when she recognizes me.

Luckily, she doesn’t say anything.

Mila walks ahead of us, leading the way, while Violet hooks her arm through mine.

“So, you and Declan, huh?” she says quietly.

“Yeah.” I glance at her. “Sorry I scared you with everything I said about him, only to become the biggest hypocrite. I guess there really is more to Declan Pierce than meets the eye.”

At least, I hope.

“Don’t worry about me, Teal. I’ve lived nineteen years fine without a brother. But you be careful, okay?” Violet pats my arm. “Be safe.”

“I will.”

But as we step into the crowd, I don’t know if that’s the truth or a lie. Being safe would mean keeping these mountains around my heart so no one can break through. While Declan is the river, slowly weaving a path straight to the center.

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