Page 200 of Dare To Live

When I was small, I believed in fairy tales. Will this one end at the stroke of midnight? What will we be when this all finally comes to an end? A memory to keep me warm at night when I’m alone, or something else?

Just focus on tonight. Don’t think about tomorrow.

My bag buzzes on my lap. I frown down at it, discard my bottle, and open it to check my phone.

Eli: Go to the restroom, take off your panties, then meet me by your locker. Red or green?

Gaze jerking up, I meet his stare. There’s a smile dancing across his lips. His eyes are filled with fire and amusement.

He wants to play one more time.

My heart sets a wild beat in my chest. Red or green? There’s only ever been one choice for me to make, and he knows it.

I reply to the text.

Me: It’s bold of you to think I’m wearing panties tonight at all.

Eli’s attention drops to his phone. His tongue flicks out to play with his lip ring, and he types back.

Eli: Are you?

Me: A black thong.

I smile.

Eli: Red or green?

Me: Green.

Is he as eager as I am? Is the adrenaline already coursing through his veins?

“I need to use the restroom … If you’ll excuse me.” I slip my shoes back on, put my cell back into my bag and stand.

Miles rises. “Ivan, dance with me.”

I don’t hear his fiancé’s reply. Excitement burns through me, and I am already craving what Eli might do next. If I’m going to leave here with any good memories, I want them to be of him—my Nasty Little Monster.

A couple of women pass me as I enter the restroom. I know they must have been seniors, but we didn’t share any classes and I don’t know them. The first stall is free, and I go inside to lock the door. Eyes closed, I take a deep breath. Butterflies swarm in my belly as I pull up my skirts and tug down my thong. It slips easily down my legs. I step out of them and crouch to pick them up. Bag open, I stuff them inside out of sight.

Tonight, I’ll let Eli know I still love him. When the prom comes to an end, I’ll confess everything and pray he feels the same. That this week hasn’t been one last fling for me.

And what if it has been for him? What if this has just been to work you out of his system so he can walk away. He’s not mentioned the future. Everything has been purely physical. He’s been making amends for how he treated you back when he bullied you.

The insidious thought clouds my mind with doubt. Maggie is beside the sink when I step out.

The second our eyes collide, her lips curve up. “I saw you dancing with Eli. Don’t think that’s going to last.”

I move past her to wash my hands. “Why don’t you just fuck off and leave me alone?”

“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

“That’s none of your damn business.”

“Poor little Arabella Gray.” Maggie swivels to check her appearance in the mirror. “It won’t work out. I know his type. They get bored easily.”

“You don’t know him.” Drying my hands, I throw the balled-up paper towel in the trash can by the door.

“I know him better than you think. We were together a year before you showed up at school.”

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