Page 90 of Dare To Break

“Do you think he believed it?”

Miles breaks into a grin. “If anyone doubted we were dating, they won’t after this.”

Chapter 58

Eli

“Eli,” Principal Warren’s voice is soft. “I know you’ve had some issues with your father’s new marriage. I’m sure it’s been hard to adjust to having a sister after all this time of being an only child.”

“Stepsister. Completely different parents. Her mother marrying my dad does not make her related to me.”

“Her mom marrying your dad isn’t Arabella’s fault, Eli.”

“Did I say it was?” I lift my gaze to meet his.

“Then why the rabbit?”

I don’t lower my eyes. “Why the fuck not?”

“Language, Eli.”

“What are you going to do? Throw me out?” I shove to my feet. “Want me to go pack?”

“Sit down.” His voice doesn’t deviate from the calm, soothing tones. It grates on my nerves. “Of course, I’m not sending you away from school. But it’s been a long time since we last had to deal with dead animals, Eli. What triggered it?”

I throw my head back and stare up at the ceiling, but don’t respond.

The principal sighs. “If you’re not willing to talk about it, then I have no choice but to discipline you. You can work from your dorm room for the rest of the week.”

My head snaps forward, and I scowl. “What about my art piece?”

“You can continue with that. I’ll arrange for security to accompany you to and from the room. Kellan can bring you food. I want you to stay out of class and the cafeteria until Monday.”

“And then what?”

“I hope it’ll give you time to calm down and realize that Arabella is not your enemy. The poor girl was very upset to find that dead animal in her locker.”

My lip curls. I hadn’t been there when she opened the locker, but I heard that she screamed loud enough to bring security running. I want to hear her scream for me.

“That’s all, unless you have something to tell me?”

“What would I want to tell you?” He wants me to admit to butchering the rabbit and breaking into Arabella’s locker. He’s going to have to live with disappointment.

He stares at me for a second or two longer and then nods. “Alright then. Security is waiting outside to take you back to your room. Be at class Monday morning.”

I tap two fingers against the side of my head in a mock salute and leave his office.

***

Being cooped up almost twenty-four-seven in my room isn’t a punishment, not in the way the principal thinks anyway. I like being alone, and when the school day ends Kellan is there to entertain me with stories of what happened during classes or breaks. But even I have my limits and by the time Saturday rolls around, I’m starting to go stir-crazy, so I request a pass so I can work on my art project for the day. The principal agrees and sends one of the security guards to escort me.

I’m waiting for him when he taps on my door, and I slip out and into the hallway. The guard outside smiles. I recognize him. He’s one of the longest-serving staff members here. I’ve known him since I was twelve.

“One day you’re going to learn to control your temper, Eli.” His voice is wry. “There’s only so many times the school is going to give you a free pass.”

I shrug. “Maybe. But clearly not any time soon.”

He chuckles and we head toward the stairwell. Evan Ridley is coming in the opposite direction, and he stops outside Miles Cavanagh’s door. I slow my pace and reach the door just as there’s a throaty female moan from inside. Evan turns bright red and starts laughing. I roll my eyes, and then a voice cries out. One I recognize.

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