Page 140 of Dare To Fall

The shadows stretch with the setting sun, casting everything in sepia tones as nighttime draws closer.

Throwing a look over his shoulder at me, he changes his speed to match my own. “Sorry.”

“Are you sure you want to do a lap of the cemetery?”

“We’re safe together.”

I keep my breath steady as my feet pound over the dirt path. “Has Kellan said anything to you about my old phone?”

“No. Why?”

“I want to know what’s happening.”

“I’m sure Eli will tell you.”

My attention shifts to the gates of the cemetery, which loom up ahead as the bench comes into sight. “I’m not so sure.”

“Kellan has been very distracted lately.”

“I thought he was spending more time with you.”

Miles shakes his head. “Not as much as I would like.”

A movement at the corner of my eye snaps my attention toward the trees on my left. Pace faltering, I catch sight of a face peeking out from behind a tree.

“There’s someone—” Before I can finish, Bret emerges from his hiding place.

Miles stops beside me as Kevin, Evan, and Jace also appear. “Hey. What’s up, guys?”

“Did you think we wouldn’t find out, Cavanaugh?” Jace sneers. “That someone wouldn’t see you with your little boyfriend.”

Miles stiffens beside me. “Guys, please.”

The note of fear in his voice makes me grab his hand, and I tug him backward away from them. “Who he’s seeing doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

Bret takes a step toward me. “Shut your mouth, Gray.”

“No. Leave him alone.”

Evan shakes his head and grins. “Not until we’re done with him.”

They don’t want to talk; they want to cause pain. Is it because Miles is gay? It’s the only thing that makes sense. The fact that he’s been hiding it and was caught sneaking around with Kellan must be fueling their hate.

I squeeze his hand tight. “Run.”

Miles doesn’t have to be told twice. He takes off beside me, legs pumping to keep pace with my mad dash. Shouts erupt behind us. Pounding feet chase us along the path back toward the school. Heart in my mouth, adrenaline coursing through my veins, I don’t look back.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Miles chants as the end of the trees comes into view.

“Don’t stop.” I pant. “We’re almost there.”

Bursting out of the trees and onto the grass, we head toward the dorm building at a run. The few students milling around glance in our direction. Garrett is beside the main door to the dorm when we reach it. He takes one look at my face and then gestures at the door.

“Go. Get inside.”

“Did you know about this?” I glance back as the group of jocks emerges from the trees.

“They didn’t tell me about the ambush. I heard Tina mention it to Linda. I was coming to warn you.”

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