Page 40 of Dare To Break

I tense at his words, and just like that, the fragile sense of normality I’ve let relax me the last week shatters.

My mouth is so dry I have to swallow a few times before I can answer. “How do you—”

“I overheard Kellan talking to Eli about you.”

No point in lying now. “Yes, it’s true, but I’ve only known Eli for a couple of weeks. He hates me.”

“Your parents didn’t introduce you before the marriage?” Miles’ voice is soft.

I shake my head. “Our parents got married in Vegas after only knowing each other for a week.”

“That’s some crazy shit.”

“Are you going to tell the others?” My palms are sweaty just at the thought.

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re different, and I’m a good judge of character. I think we can help each other.” He’s dead serious. I can hear it in his tone.

“What do you mean?”

“Jace is persistent. I’ve seen him go after girls with ruthless single-mindedness until he gets what he wants. Your virginity is just another trophy to him. He’ll keep pushing until you give it up.”

My heart sinks at his words. “Thanks for the warning.”

Miles steps closer. “I can protect you from his advances.”

“You’re going to be my knight in shining armor?” I joke with a shaky laugh.

“I’ll be your fake boyfriend.”

My brain stutters for a moment. “What?”

“Starting tomorrow,” he continues. “I’ll carry your books. We hold hands. Whatever else we need to do to convince everyone we’re dating. Your virginity stays intact, and no one finds out I have a boyfriend back home.”

Curiosity wins over my suspicion. “What’s his name?”

“Enrico.” Miles holds up his phone and swipes the screen, bringing it to life. Tapping his photo gallery, an image of him kissing a handsome tanned, black-haired boy flashes up for me to see. “He’s a musician and plays the guitar. He has the sweetest voice.”

“You look good together.”

“So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?” He glances back the way we came.

I mull over his proposal. “You’re trusting me to keep your secret?”

“It works both ways. Plus, if people find out, you got me to back you up. To let them know you aren’t a psycho like Eli.”

“Jace won’t be happy,” I point out.

Threading his arm through mine, he urges me into a walk. “You let me worry about him.”

I let him guide me through the shadowy trees. “Okay, we have a deal.”

“I better get back to them,” he says when we reach the tree line. “Or no one will remember to put out the campfire.”

“I’ll catch you tomorrow.” I veer off into the blackness when I’m certain he’s gone.

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