Page 38 of Dare To Break

Chapter 25

Arabella

The flames of the little campfire send red sparks into the breeze in the dark. Its warmth radiates into my skin, where I’m huddled on one of the fallen logs in the clearing around it. We’re just past the cemetery with its creepy crumbling stone graves and iron-metal gate, but it feels like it could be miles from anywhere.

My mind is buzzing with thoughts of the piece of paper tucked away in my pocket. I found the new dare in my locker right after dinner.

The words written on it are on a constant loop inside my head.

You’re being such a good girl. I like that. Your next dare is this. I want you to go outside after curfew tonight and hang a pair of panties on the entrance door to the gymnasium.

I haven’t been given much time to decide if I am going through with the task.

Jace is sitting beside me, sipping from his third can of beer and sneaking sideways glances in my direction. He’s been quiet since his run-in with Eli earlier. Everyone saw their confrontation and the way Jace quickly backed down. I’m pretty sure his pride is hurt. I have no idea what possessed him to confront my stepbrother when I told him not to.

Brad and Lacy are making out across from us. Tina is giggling where she’s wedged between Evan and Garrett. Maggie is sitting in Kevin’s lap while Bret seems to be trying to get his tongue all the way down Linda’s throat. The only boy not paired up is Miles. He’s on the other side of Evan, swigging his drink, staring into the fire.

“Here.”

I blink at the voice, and the fingers of the hand I have stuffed in the pocket of my hoodie closes around the soft cotton of the panties hidden inside.

Kevin leans across to offer me the joint he’s smoking.

I shake my head. “No thanks.”

“Come on.” He smiles. “It will help loosen you up.”

I take it from his outstretched hand, bring it to my lips and inhale awkwardly. Smoke fills my lungs, and my throat closes up. The coughing comes thick and fast.

Laughter ripples around the group.

“First time smoking?” Linda asks.

“Yes,” I croak.

Tina sniggers. “It shows.”

“Didn’t you puke after your first cigarette?” Evan presses a kiss to her neck.

She punches him in the arm. “Shut up.”

I return the joint to Kevin, then rise from the log and escape toward the edge of the firelight. My attention is trained on the outline of the cemetery I can just make out beyond.

I need to get to the gymnasium.

My mind is already plotting out the route while my eyes trace the solid dark silhouettes in the graveyard. A wild unfamiliar excitement uncurls low in my belly.

“You looking for ghosts?” Jace has joined me.

I lean against the nearest tree. “Lacy told me about her old roommate … what happened to her.”

“They found Zoey over there.” He nudges his chin to my left.

“Do you really think it was a curse from the dares?”

He moves closer. “Many students do. Personally, I think Travers had something to do with it.”

“What makes you say that?”.

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