Page 69 of Dare To Fall

“Or what?”

“Leave the pretty boy alone, Eli.” Kellan steps between us, the hint of a smile tilting one corner of his mouth.

We’ve worked this out in advance, although if she had destroyed my work, it could have gone in a very different direction.

“I’m going to fucking kill her.” I say it loud enough for the people closest to overhear. “She’s destroyed it. I’ve been working on that piece for fucking months, and she’s ruined it.” I hurl a chunk of marble to the ground. “What the fuck am I supposed to do now?”

“We’ll work something out. I’m sure Mr. McIntyre will give you an extension.” Kellan pats my shoulder, and we turn toward the dorm building. Miles has melted away during the distraction, his plan is to meet us inside without being seen walking with us.

“Why don’t you stop picking on girls.” I swing around at the words and find Garrett standing behind me.

I lift an eyebrow. “Did you say something?”

He tips his head back, glaring at me. “I said, leave Arabella alone.”

I let my lips curl up into a smile. My anger over the statue might all be for show, but I need an outlet for the frustration the entire situation is causing me. If Garrett wants a fight, I’ll fucking give him one.

“Are you going to stop me?” I take a step toward him. “Why are you sniffing around her, anyway? Think she’s going to put out for you? That little pussy is not for you.” I advance toward him, and he steps back. I nod. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Go back to hiding behind your friends.”

I turn my back on him and stalk toward the dorm and up to our room. Miles is already inside when we get there. I close the door and sag against it, blowing out a breath.

“She didn’t touch it.”

“What? But she sent them a photograph.” Kellan shows me the image on the cell.

I shake my head. “That’s a random bit of stone I cut off. She took a close-up photograph of that. She didn’t touch the actual piece.”

“So why did she look so fucking terrified?” Miles demands.

I run my palm over my face. “That’s her default setting right now. I think she’s forgotten the reason behind my behavior and believes I’m doing it on purpose.”

Chapter 44

Arabella

“Got you mac and cheese.”

A plate appears in front of me. “Thanks.”

When I look up, Garrett smiles. “You’re welcome.” He drops into the seat beside me.

It’s Friday. Three days since my last instructions. I’ve received no backlash or threats from my blackmailers, so they must have bought my lie about destroying Eli’s statue.

Eli has been picking on me more and more. He throws my food over me whenever we’re in the cafeteria at the same time. Insulting me, taunting me, he’s the asshole I know him to be. But no one has stopped him. Everyone just turns away. Everyone but Garrett.

He still hasn’t taken the hint, and keeps trying to protect me, getting in between us. No matter how hard I push, he won’t stop. He needs to leave me alone. To just give up.

I poke at my food. My appetite is barely there, but Garrett seems set on making sure I eat.

“Ah, shit.” His muttered words shift my attention to the two boys walking toward our table. I tense.

“What the fuck, Garrett?” Jace snaps, coming to a stop in front of us. “Every time I look, you’re with her. You’re like her pet puppy.”

“She must be good at sucking dick, or maybe she’s finally spread her legs for someone other than Travers and his minion.” Evan snickers.

“Is that it?” Jace’s gaze slices my way. “Are you fucking him? Using our friend to protect you from the monster?”

Garrett’s jaw clenches, and he rises from his chair. “Dude, stop it. You’ve got to see that Travers is going too far. Bella doesn’t deserve what he’s doing to her.”

---