Page 106 of Dare To Take

“If you don’t walk out with me, I’ll drag you out by your hair.” I deliver the words in a silky tone. “Your choice of how you want today to be remembered.” I lean forward, bracing my hands on the edge of the table. “I know which option I’d prefer, so just give me a reason to do it.”

I keep my gaze on her while hers darts around the room, desperately looking for an escape and finding none.

“The school said you can’t come near me.”

I throw back my head and laugh, long and loud. “You really think the school gives a single fuck about you after what you’ve done? You’ve proved to everyone that you’re the problem, not me. I could strip you naked and fuck you on the table right here, and not a single person would stop me. Not now.” I glance around, tapping my lips with one finger. “I wonder how long a line there would be if I bent you over and offered your ass to whoever wanted it.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Can’t I?”

“If you don’t leave me alone, I’ll scream.”

My smirk drains the remaining color from her face. “Oh, Princess, by the time I’m done with you, your throat will be so fucking raw you won’t be able to scream.”

A shadow falls over the table, and I finally look away from her to find Kellan standing beside me, three takeaway coffee cups balanced in his hands. I shove to my feet.

“Let’s go.”

Her shoulders stiffen. “No.”

I hike an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, I must have misheard.”

“I’m not going with you.”

I round the table and place my palms on the top so I can lean forward until my face is millimeters from hers. “And what exactly did I say or do to make you think I’m bluffing?”

“You won’t—” She yelps when I tangle a hand into her hair and drag her to her feet.

“Won’t I? I don’t think you understand the situation here. No one is going to come to your rescue, Princess. There’s no fucking white knight waiting to ride in and slay the big bad monster.” I use my grip on her hair to pull her toward me. “Do you know why? Because you fucking killed him.”

She stays silent, tears brimming in her eyes.

My smile is a baring of teeth. “I’d save up those tears, Princess. You’re going to need them.” I tip her head back and run my nose along hers, then lick the tear making its lonely way down her cheek. “I like the taste of your misery, Arabella,” I whisper. “But your fear will taste even better.” I release my grip and take a step back.

She staggers sideways and reaches out to balance herself against the table.

“Now, are you going to be a good girl and walk with me, or do I have to drive the point home?”

She’s biting so hard into her bottom lip I’m surprised she isn’t drawing blood. When she doesn’t answer, I wrap a hand around the top of her arm and drag her along with me.

“Please!” She casts the word out. “Someone, please? I don’t want to go with him!”

No one moves. Most of the students even look away. As we pass the table filled with the football players and cheerleaders, Miles starts to stand. I turn my head and nail him with a glare.

“Think very carefully about your next move,” Kellan says, driving home the message in one sentence to the swim captain that our friendship will always trump their attraction. Miles drops back into his seat and lowers his eyes.

“Where are you taking her?” Evan calls as we move past.

I stop and glance back at him. “I’ve been sick for the past week. She’s going to make me feel better. Maybe there will be enough of her left when I’m done for the rest of you. Maybe there won’t. We’ll see.”

She renews her struggles to escape at my words. I tighten my hold, my fingers biting into her arm, and haul her against me, her back against my front, and wrap my free arm around her waist.

“Kellan, put the drinks down for a second.”

He glances around, and then places the three cups on the closest table.

“Take off her jeans.”

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