Page 43 of Dare To Take

The ringtone on my phone shatters the silence. Still holding the decoration, I grope for the cell with my free hand and answer.

“Oh, so now you answer.” Miles’ voice booms down the line. “You haven’t called. You haven’t texted.”

I wince. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you okay?”

“As fine as can be expected.”

“Who was the guy in the video?”

“I don’t know.” At least not his real name.

“How could you—”

“I’ve already had enough lectures about how stupid I was. I don’t need another one.”

“Are you coming back after Christmas? Is that true?”

I huff out a breath, roll onto my back, and close my eyes. “Yes. My mom and Eli’s dad have arranged for me to come back, even though I don’t want to.”

“Rumors are flying all over the place. The school has tripled security. Some of the students think it’s a teacher’s dick you’re sucking. Mr. Drake has been questioned over it—”

My lips curl in disgust at the image. “That’s just gross.”

“I’ve heard some of the boys talking about you. Not nice stuff. You need to watch yourself when you come back.” His voice drops, becoming lower and thicker with some undefined emotion. “And we can’t date anymore. I love you, Bella, but I need to stay off people’s radar.”

I’m silent for a moment absorbing his words, not as shocked as I should be. “I thought we were friends?”

“We are. Just not in public. You’ll still be my best friend.”

In secret, where no one knows. How many of those do I have now? So much of my life is hidden beneath lies and deception.

“Sure.” My voice is light, concealing the pain washing through me. “Whatever.”

“Bella—”

“I have to go. See you at school.” I end the call.

My happy mood is tainted by the texts and the conversation with Miles. I roll onto my side, stare at the wall, and hug the knitted Santa to my chest.

Don’t think about it. Don’t think about it. Don’t think about it. Don’t think about it. I chant over and over in my head.

How bad is it going to be when I go back? Will anyone talk to me at all?

I’m scared.

Chapter 29

Eli

I walk down the stairs to find the entrance hall in chaos. The Christmas tree I ordered takes up the entire arched alcove beside the staircase and Arabella is standing in front of it. Elena is near the front door, thanking the delivery guys, and there’s a trail of spruce needles leading from the door to the tree.

I move up behind Arabella and cast a critical look over the tree. I may have gone overboard picking one.

“You’re going to need a ladder to put an angel or star or whatever at the top.”

She jumps and spins to face me, clutching a ratty old Santa in her fingers. “It’s real!”

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