Page 73 of The Prom

“It’s not one you want membership of.”

My knuckles tighten on the wheel.

“If you are handed a membership card, it’s because you have a lot to lose and it’s your only way out.”

“So, how are you aware of it?” Her voice trembles and I attempt to reassure her.

“I’m sorry to say this, darlin’ but she knows about us.”

“She?”

“The principal.”

“F-u-c-k…” Her slow use of the word makes me smile because rather than panic, she accepts it as fact.

“So, what are we going to do about that?”

I reach out and grasp her hand and squeeze it hard.

“Nothing.”

“That’s your answer?”

Her soft laugh lightens my mood and I nod. “It changes nothing. It was merely her reason for drafting me into her world, which was a move that is more to our advantage than hers.”

“So, what’s the plan?”

“The plan is to carry on with the plan.”

“That’s your plan?”

Her soft giggle lightens the atmosphere and I chuckle. “It helps knowing the cards we are dealt. It makes the game easier.”

“The girl?”

I was waiting for this because I’m aware Imogen is curious about her.

“She was part of the club last night and saved me from an extremely distasteful encounter with the principal.”

“No way!”

Her soft laugh dismisses any fear she would be jealous and I grin. “Principal Constable used our relationship against me to suit her own agenda. She promised to remain quiet if I became her–” I groan. “Slave.”

“Fuck, Drake.” Imogen laughs out loud. “As in sex slave?”

“You got it.”

“No way.”

Her incredulous tone causes us both to laugh, and it’s all I needed to bring clarity to the situation. Saying it out loud reduces its importance and is a welcome breath of fresh air in an otherwise toxic environment.

“So, how did this woman save you?”

Imogen sounds more curious than jealous and I don’t sugarcoat my words. “She set herself on fire.”

Her stunned silence reminds me of how brave Delilah was last night and Imogen’s voice waivers. “Is she okay?”

“She is. Apparently, the flames merely burned on the paint that covered her body and caught the cloak she was wearing on fire more than her skin.”

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