Page 13 of The Prom

Jesse grasps my hand.

“There must be a fire. Come on.”

As we attempt to leave, my ankle holds me back and Jesse yells, “We should get a move on! This place could go up like a rocket.”

“I’m trying.” Tears stream down my face as the pain hits me from all angles and, with an impatient groan, Jesse slings me over his shoulder and heads to the staircase.

As we spill out into the night air, I notice the curious glances thrown our way and as Jesse sets me down, several teachers run toward us, Principal Constable leading the charge.

“What’s happening?” She asks and one of the girls yells, “The sprinklers activated, but I don’t see any fire.”

“I’ll call for the fire department.” The principal says and as she dials the number, Jesse whispers, “I should get out of here. We don’t want her asking questions about why I was in there.”

He winks and then presses his lips to mine and whispers, “We have unfinished business. I’ll arrange a different place so we’re not disturbed next time.”

He pulls away and with a devilish wink, he slides into the shadows toward The Elusive House, leaving me wondering what the hell just happened.

SIX

IMOGEN

Summer appears shocked as she stares around the sodden house.

“Look at the damage. Our stuff is ruined.”

We have been instructed to pack up and move into temporary accommodation until the principal arranges for the house to be restored to normalcy.

“It’s a disaster.” I stare at the wet furnishings and wrinkle my nose at the smell of damp.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d blame my brother for this.” Summer’s eyes flash and I laugh softly.

“Why would Frankie destroy Willow Tree House?”

“To make me move in with him, of course. He hates me having freedom, and this is a page out of his little black book in getting what he wants.”

She pouts and appears so furious it makes me laugh, despite the situation.

“He got his wish then.”

She frowns. “Only temporarily.”

She sighs. “Are you okay with moving in there until this is ready?”

“I’m fine with it.” Actually, I am because I’m having Cassie’s room as she shares with Frankie, anyway. Summer is pissed because she was given the spare room next to Frankie’s, which is far enough away from Luca’s, causing them a huge problem.

It’s almost amusing except for the fact that Jesse also lives there and when he learned of the new sleeping arrangements, he whispered that Cassie’s room isn’t far from his and to make sure not to lock my door at night.

The thought of it sets me on edge because I haven’t forgotten what happened just before the sprinklers malfunctioned. It’s the only explanation anyone can find because there is no evidence of any fire or heated devise that could have set them off.

The fire crew couldn’t explain it, and neither could the company who installed them.

I’m grateful for it though because things were getting pretty heavy back there and I’m trying not to think about the fact that Jesse wasn’t going to stop anytime soon, despite my obvious reluctance.

The guys help us move our stuff and Summer glares at Frankie the entire time, who merely grins when he catches her. It’s obvious he likes to control her, and I pity her for that.

As I hobble beside Jack, who is holding several of my boxes, he says in a low voice, “Are you okay, darlin’? You don’t seem yourself lately.”

“I’m okay, merely adjusting to everything.”

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