Page 87 of Dare To Break

All I want is someone to tell me I’m good, that I’m doing everything right. Is that too much to ask?

The words are smudged. Something had wet the page and smeared the ink not long after she wrote them. I wonder what was going through her mind at the time of writing. Not that it matters to me. It’s simply something I can use.

“It’s almost time. Are you ready to go?” Kellan’s voice drags me out of my thoughts. “What time is it?”

“Ten-fifteen. She won’t leave the dorm until after curfew. We have fifteen minutes to get there and prepare.”

***

It’s a good thing we’re quiet in our approach because Arabella is already at the bench when we arrive. She’s sitting straight, shoulders back, head up, blindfold in place and her hands tucked between her thighs. I share a look with Kellan, and we pull our ski masks over our heads before we reach her.

Her head swings in our direction when I step on leaves, which crunch under my foot.

“It’s us,” I say before she can ask, deepening and lowering my tone so she doesn’t recognize me.

“Us? Two of you?” Her soft voice skitters over my skin.

“Is that a problem?”

“No.” There’s no hesitation in her response.

I move closer and reach out to stroke my gloved finger over her lips. They part as soon as I touch her.

“Why are you here, Kitten?”

“Because you told me to be here.”

I tut and tap her bottom lip. “Wrong answer. That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”

Her tongue comes out and touches the leather covering my finger. “I want to play again.”

“Why? You could play with your boyfriend? Miles, isn’t it?”

“It’s not the same.” She doesn’t deny he’s her boyfriend, and anger unfurls in my stomach.

“I’m not sure you’re worth it. You can’t even follow simple instructions.”

“I’ll do better. I swear. But … you can’t make me do things that will get me into trouble at school.” The words come out in a rush.

“You’re out in the woods after curfew. That will get you into trouble if you’re caught.”

“That’s not what I mean. Nothing … extreme.”

“Not much of a dare if there’s no risk, Kitten.” I let my finger drop from her lips and take a step back. “I think this is where we say goodbye.”

“No! Wait.” She lurches up off the bench and throws her arm out.

Kellan dances back a step, barely avoiding being hit in the chest.

“Are you still here?”

I debate whether to answer or not.

“I’ll do dares for you … here or anywhere else … just between us. I’ll sneak out to meet you. I’ll play your games. I’ll do anything you say as long as it doesn’t interfere with my schoolwork. I can’t be thrown out!”

“That’s a dangerous thing to say, Kitten. Anything I say? Without limits?” The possibilities are endless, I should be euphoric at the idea, yet I’m not. I don’t like the desperation in her voice. “Why would you want that?”

She doesn’t reply, her teeth biting into her bottom lip.

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