Page 93 of Dare To Take

I nod. “Into doing those things to Eli. It’s not me. I’m being forced to do them.”

“Really, Miss Gray?” His tone of voice makes it clear he doesn’t believe me. “Do you have any proof?”

“Yes! There are texts on my phone.” I take my cell phone out of my pocket, searching for the messages. The messages app is empty. Not a single text to or from anyone. “Wait, they were right here.” My voice trails off in confusion.

Am I losing my mind? Where did they go? This can’t be happening. How is it even possible for them to vanish into thin air?

Principal Warren is staring at me, pity in his eyes. “If this is some kind of cry for attention or help, then you need to speak up. Counselor Clarke has said that you refuse to talk to him. If you need help, you have to tell us, Arabella.”

I shake my head wildly. “I’m not lying!”

“Then where are these text messages you claim you have?”

“They’re gone, but—”

“I think that will be all, Miss Gray. You may go.”

He’s not listening. I’m already dismissed. He doesn’t believe a single word of what I’ve said, and if I don’t have evidence, he never will.

A sudden thought strikes me.

“I want my phone back.” I blurt out. “The one you found in Eli’s locker.”

He frowns. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea—”

“It’s my property. I didn’t break any laws sending photographs to someone.”

His frown deepening, Principal Warren studies me for a moment before he opens the drawer of his desk. He takes out the familiar phone and slides it toward me.

I snatch it up, stand and walk out of his office without a backward glance. The second I’m out in the hallway, I switch it on.

Part of me hoped there would be a text waiting for me. Something. Anything to say Sin was thinking about me. But no messages arrive, and I have to blink fast against the tears that sting my eyes. I release a long shuddering breath and type out a text.

Me: Sin, please talk to me. Everything has turned upside down, and I don’t have anyone else. I need you.

I wait for a reply, but nothing comes.

Disappointment is a bitter lump in my throat. I shove the phone into a pocket and find my earbuds. I slot them into my ears, ‘Crawling Back To You’ by Daughtry playing through the speakers.

Chapter 59

Eli

I spend Saturday locked away with my sculpture. It’s starting to take shape, and while part of me regrets the design I decided on before Christmas, it’s too late to change it now. But it looks amazing, and I can’t deny that the concept I had is coming together better than I thought it would.

This past week has been tougher than I expected, especially the latest run-in over the dead rat yesterday. Thankfully, Principal Warren believed me when I denied having any part in it, which is a step in the right direction after the dead rabbit incident a couple of months ago. He hadn’t believed me when I claimed my innocence over leaving that in Arabella’s locker.

I lock up earlier than usual, instead of working until curfew. I want to go for a run and try and work out some of the stress that has my muscles aching and my head throbbing.

My name being called by a familiar voice the second I step out of the building snaps my spine taut. I consider ignoring her, but my body has other ideas and turns to face her before I even register the move.

My gaze sweeps over her. She’s clutching a travel mug in one hand, and her steps are cautious as she comes toward me, eyes on the thin layer of snow on the ground.

“What do you want?”

“I’m sorry for blaming you yesterday. I thought that …” She bites her lip and holds out the travel mug. “Peace offering?”

“What is it?”

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