Page 102 of Dare To Take

Someone knocks against the wood. “Come on. Don’t be shy. We’re here to stop you from getting lonely.”

We?

My stomach knots in panic, and I press my ear to the door to listen.

“Garrett, knock again,” a second voice says.

“Try the door,” a third one demands.

The handle rattles, and I jump back away from it. “Go away, or I’ll call security.”

“Don’t be like that,” Garrett calls. “Just let us in. You got us all hot and bothered with that video posted earlier. It’s only fair that you do something about it.”

Bile rises up my throat at the thought of them touching me. The way they’re openly standing outside my door, as they laugh and demand I let them in, is petrifying.

“I’m dialing the number right now.” My hands tremble as I search out the number for the main office and press it. Someone picks up on the fourth ring.

“There are some boys outside my room trying to get in,” I rush out and rattle off my room number. Instead of someone answering, the line goes dead.

What the fuck?

My phone pings. Heart still in my throat, I peer down at the message.

Unknown number: No one is coming to help you. Next time, we will make sure you’re asleep, and they have the key to the door. Bad things happen to those who don’t obey. You don’t quit until we say so.

Chapter 63

Eli

The drug tests they ran have come back inconclusive. The doctor explains that it’s because there is such a small window where GHB stays in the system and is identifiable, so I didn’t see the point in staying in the hospital any longer.

I’m fine and show no worrying symptoms or side-effects, but they still refuse to release me until Wednesday. And only then because I threaten to walk out if they don’t sign my release papers.

Kellan picks me up in his car and drives me back to Churchill Bradley.

“How much do you remember?”

“Not a lot. I remember Arabella giving me the coffee, and then going for a run. Everything after that is a blur. I think I stopped near the chapel. Was Arabella there?”

“Oh, she was definitely there.”

There’s a note to his voice that has me twisting in my seat to look at him. “What do you know?”

“She spiked your drink. Wouldn’t tell me what with but admitted there was something in the coffee she gave you. I’m guessing she was just trying to fuck with you, not fuck you over, and then when you reacted badly, she panicked.”

“She drugged me?”

“Yep.”

“Arabella?” I don’t know why, but I find it hard to believe she’d do something like that. Fuck around with my car, throw drinks at me, accuse me of shit … but drug me?

“Don’t forget the doctor said you need to take it easy for a few days. That means no hunting down the naughty girl to torment her.”

“She’s on the floor directly above us. I don’t need to hunt her.” My response is dry.

He slides a glance in my direction, then returns his attention to the road. “There’s no way you’re just going to let this go.” He turns the wheel and pulls up on the side of the road. “Listen, Eli. This is getting fucking dangerous now. It’s not funny anymore.”

“Have you seen me laughing?”

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