Page 125 of Dare To Take

“Yes,” I reply dully, giving them what they already believe.

Cruel fingers grip my chin, forcing my head up, and Jace pushes his finger between my lips. “Suck it.”

Tears brim in my eyes, and I close them, doing as he orders. I suck on it, and almost gag when he pushes it to the back of my throat. He withdraws his finger from my mouth and shoves me away with a laugh. Eyelashes lifting, I meet their hungry gazes.

“I can’t wait for you to be on your knees.” Garrett’s voice is husky, his hand at the front of his jeans as he readjusts himself. “With that pretty little mouth wrapped around my dick.”

Bret smacks his shoulder. “You heard what Travers said. He’s not done with her.”

“He’ll be sick of her soon enough,” Evan snickers.

I duck my head and walk away. I should be frightened, but I’m hollow inside, empty. Head down, I don’t stop until I’m in the classroom and at my desk. I blank out everything going on around me and dig out my math books.

“Stay away from my boyfriend, freak.”

My bag is shoved onto the floor, the contents spilling out.

Lacy’s lips are twisted in a sneer, her hand still outstretched. “You’re nothing. A nobody. Trash that should never have been let into this school. Know your fucking place.”

I’m motionless, her words barely scratch through my numbness. The second she moves for her desk, I get up and gather my stuff off the floor. No one helps me. No one says a word. When I have everything, I sit back down and check my phone.

Unknown number: You and Eli will be called to the front of the class. Make sure he’s the one who answers the math problem you’re given.

I wipe a hand across my eyes and wonder if I’m hallucinating.

Why is this so easy? Where’s the hidden catch?

Just be happy it’s nothing worse.

One question still bugs me.

Me: How do you know I’ll be chosen with Eli?

Unknown number: Drake has a list of people he’s already paired for the class. He’s predictable like everyone else.

Mr. Drake is at the front of the room. When I turn my head, my gaze clashes with a pair of intense green ones. I expect to see hate. Instead, they are watchful. It’s like he’s daring me to do something.

My attention returns nervously to my desk, and I slip my phone into my hoodie pocket.

“Miss Gray and Mr. Travers, please come to the front of the class.”

The writing in front of me swims before my vision, my mind empty of thought.

“Miss Gray!” The teacher’s voice booms, making me jump. “Stop daydreaming and come to the front.”

I scramble up, to see Eli already beside Mr. Drake by the board, his expression aloof and closed. Licking my lips nervously, I hurry to join them.

“Can you answer the multiplication question for me?” He offers me the pen.

Just do it. It’s a simple task. They might leave me alone for the rest of the day. Get it over with. Eli isn’t going to get upset over a math problem.

“I—” Tension coils through my muscles. “No, sir. Maybe Eli should answer this one.”

Chapter 77

Eli

Why the fuck is Drake calling me up to the front of the class. He never picks me for anything. When I take my place next to Arabella, he ducks his head and refuses to look in my direction.

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