Page 76 of Dare To Take

Unknown number: That’s not how this works. We’ll contact you again with further instructions.

Further instructions?

No, no, no.

Me: I don’t want to play your game.

Unknown number: Don’t you want to get him back for everything he’s done to you? All the humiliation and the pain? How he used and discarded you? You don’t mean anything to him. You were just another hole for his cock to fill. Now that he’s returned, he’ll only carry on hurting you.

I search around, paranoia clawing through me.

Who the hell is this? Someone who’s been watching me closely.

The thought leaves me sick to my stomach.

Me: No, I just want to be left alone.

Unknown number: Arabella, we’ve only just gotten started.

Chapter 49

Eli

My first instinct is to take off after her, but Kellan’s grip on my arm stops me.

“How you respond right now is going to dictate what everyone else does.” His voice is low. “Control the narrative, Eli.”

His words remind me that we have an audience, that I’m not at home, and that what just happened is not Arabella’s idea of foreplay. I dig deep inside myself and plaster a cocky grin across my face, throw my head back and wipe my fingers over my cheek. Catching the eyes of the watching cheerleaders, I lift it to my mouth, lick it clean, then wink.

“Guess she really wanted to be the first to get my attention.” I pitch my voice loud enough to be heard by those closest to us.

There’s muted laughter and comments about how the Whore of Churchill Bradley is so desperate for dick, she will even settle for her stepbrother’s. I grit my teeth against the desire to defend her. Right now, she still believes that I’ve done this to her. I understand her anger, and I need to figure out a way to prove that it’s not me.

“She made me all sticky, and not in a good way. Whoever she’s been fucking needs to explain that’s not how you get someone wet.” There’s more laughter in response to my dry words.

We weave through the crowd, ignoring the calls of my name. Everyone wants to speak to me, ask about the leaked footage, make it clear that they are on my side, for fear of me turning my attention to them next. Everyone here has secrets they don’t want spilling out for all to see.

Which reminds me …

I stop, looking over the faces of the students gathered around.

“Eli?” Kellan’s voice is curious.

When I finally find what I’m looking for, I smile. Miles’ face turns white.

“I suggest you fuck him out of your system quickly,” I tell Kellan, my attention not leaving Miles.

Kellan follows the direction of my gaze. “Why?”

“Because if he doesn’t out himself soon, I’m going to do it for him.”

“What’s he done to you?”

“Nothing. But he doesn’t even have the balls to support Arabella, because he’s so fucking scared of his so-called friends finding out he’s gay.”

“You did hear what she just said to you, right?”

“She thinks I’m the bad guy who put her in this situation. I understand her anger with me. His betrayal of someone who’s kept his secret?” I nod toward Miles. “That I don’t get.” I step toward the swim team captain. “Hey, Cavanagh.” I raise my voice.

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