Page 66 of Dare To Break

“A selection of things that match up with the stuff in her diary. Lacy wants to turn Arabella into her pet project, but at night …” My lips curve up. “She’s going to be mine to play with.”

Chapter 43

Arabella

“The others have agreed to you trying out for the team tomorrow,” Lacy calls through the open bathroom door. “As it’s a Sunday, we’ll have plenty of time after breakfast.”

“Great, I can’t wait.”

A second later, her head appears around the door, toothbrush hovering in front of her mouth. “You totally don’t have to be nervous. I’m confident you’ll do fine.”

I sigh heavily and drape my forearm over my eyes.

What’s the worst that can happen? I suck, and don’t make the team. And if I do make the cheer squad, I’ll have to spend more time with Tina. She already doesn’t seem to like me.

My phone vibrates beneath the pillow where I have it hidden.

I make sure Lacy is back in the bathroom before I reach for it.

Unknown number: Come to the bench an hour after curfew. Sit down and put the blindfold on, then wait.

Back to the bench? I used my run before dinner to leave my panties on it. Getting the dare in town had sent a little thrill down my spine. No one knew I was bare beneath my leggings while Miles and I continued to shop.

What does he want me to do now? Curfew is in thirty minutes.

Pressing my legs together, I can already feel the crotch of my leggings getting wet.

Me: Green.

Lacy emerges from the bathroom just as I shove the phone back under the pillow. Cheeks heating at the thought of getting caught with it, I eye the black dress she’s wearing.

“Where are you going?”

She crouches to tug a pair of ballet flats from under her bed. “Brad’s roommate is away visiting his family for the weekend.”

“You’re spending tonight with him?”

Lacy’s grin is blinding as she slips the shoes on. “Exactly. I’ll see you tomorrow at breakfast.”

The thought of being able to get out of the dorms without her catching me makes me smile back. “Have fun.”

“I will.” She moves to the door and leaves.

The second she’s gone, my hand creeps back to the phone. I reread the message over and over with anticipation. There’s no mention of me putting panties back on. Rising from the mattress, I open the drawers of my dresser, and select a dark gray pair of joggers. I match it with a black t-shirt.

I’d made sure on my shopping trip to pick up more clothes in darker colors. Anything to help me blend in when I sneak out at night. I look at the new hoodies. Pink would be easily seen, so I choose the black one.

I take a quick shower, wash my hair and then dress.

It feels strange not wearing panties, but I’m starting to get used to the sensation. A glance at the time tells me I need to get moving. I snatch up my fanny pack, snap it into place around my waist and stuff the phone inside. The blindfold is already stored in the bottom.

Muffled noises emanate from some of the rooms as I pass them by. My stomach churns with nerves, and I search for movement the second I’m outside. A cool breeze ruffles my hair, but I see no signs of life.

He has this timed to match with the security’s routine. How many times has he done this before?

I frown at the niggling thought, but I push it aside.

Taking off across the grass, adrenaline races through me as I race toward the trees. By the time I’ve passed through them, I’m breathing heavily, but a quick look over my shoulder assures me I’m still alone.

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