Page 60 of Dare To Fall

“Y-you said t-ten. There’s one … o-one left.”

I grit my teeth. One more, then it’s over. My palm rises.

The door bangs off the wall.

“Eli.” Kellan’s voice slices through the silence. “Put her down. We need to talk.”

My eyes drop to the cell he’s clutching in one hand. I pat Arabella’s ass. She flinches.

“Looks like we’ll have to finish this some other time.”

I tug her upright and straighten her clothes, then lift a thumb to wipe away the tears on her cheeks.

“Don’t fuck with my stuff.”

I turn my back on her and walk out.

Chapter 38

Arabella

My ass is on fire, and I can feel the imprint of Eli’s palm searing into my skin. I scrub a hand over my eyes, my shoulders quivering as I sob. I can’t believe he spanked me in front of the entire class. When he pinned me to the desk, I had a flashback to the night of the attack. He’d been so cold, so remote. The thought of him touching me again in any way leaves me nauseous.

After what happened Monday, I’ve been jumpy. The school wants to keep the attack on me quiet, and I feel like they are just sweeping it under the carpet.

It’s just Arabella Gray again. She’s trouble.

Maybe they think I deserve what is happening?

The gasps and murmurs that erupt around me tear me from my misery.

“Holy fuck.”

Glancing at Jace, I catch sight of the cell in his hand. There’s a photo on the screen. A blonde-haired girl hogtied, blindfolded, and gagged. Another image appears at a different angle to display the ruined cotton of my panties on the blanket, giving the photographer a clear view of my pussy.

They took photos of me?

My head spins, and I sway on my feet. The harder I blink, the more black dots dance before my eyes.

A strong hand grabs my arm and steadies me. “I got you.”

My eyes jerk up and meet Garrett’s. “No, please.”

“It’s okay, Arabella. I’m not going to hurt you.” His voice is soft and subdued. “Did Eli do that to you?”

He’s talking about the photo.

I don’t reply to his question. At this point, anything is possible. Maybe he did? I just don’t know anymore. My head is a mess, and my ass hurts. I’m mentally and physically exhausted.

“I need to go.” Tears streaming down my face, I grab my bag and make for the door. I’m relieved to see no sign of Eli or Kellan out in the hallway. I duck my head and limp for the exit, praying Mr. Drake won’t catch me.

“Hey, wait up.”

I flinch at the shout and keep moving forward.

“Hey.” Garrett touches my arm.

“What do you want?”

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