Page 52 of Paper Thin Love

“Jared is my dance partner,” I clarify to Dash. The silence is deafening, prickling my skin into a rash. I look back out at the rest of the students watching us.Nosy bastards! Stop watching!

“Is or was?” Dash arches a brow.

“Please,” I beg.

His stare narrows, followed by a slight smile on his lips.

I just granted him more control over me. I’m so dumb, but I won’t have Jared’s death on my hands.

Dash chuckles just enough to quell some of the gossip.“Hurry along, little fox.”

My heels lift, but I don’t dare take a step. Is this a trick?

“Promise me you won’t hurt him?” I whisper.

“What will you give me in return?”

I gulp.“You have everything.” I’m his to use; what more does he want?

“Liar,” he purrs, his eyes gleaming with a cunning light. He raises his hand with his knife in it, then places it to his lips, slowly playing with the pointy tip between his teeth.“I won’t hurt him if you give me something in return.” He hesitates, savoring the moment, allowing his grin to widen.“I’ll come to collect when I’m ready.” He states, then he turns and continues to eat as if he didn’t just grab my heart in a vice grip and squeeze.

I grab my backpack and the bag of art supplies Dash gave me. “Fine.” I hiss in defeat.“I’ll see you in first period, Dash.” Then I grab Jared’s hand and speed walk—okay, more like jog—from the cafeteria.

“Whore,” One girl grumbles as I pass her table.“What are you fucking them all?”

Great! I knew the rumors would be churning today. Of course, it’s always the classic whore or slut accusation.

Jared clears his throat as he steps in front of me.“Watch it.” He snaps back at the table in my defense. As honorable as his intentions are, they are idiotic. Jared can’t play with these kids. He’s a scholarship student trying to fight for me against a King.

I shove the double doors open and halt once we’re outside.“What the fuck, Jared!” I seethe once I inhale some fresh air. I whirl around.“You approached Dante and Cillian’s table. What were you thinking?”

Do you have any idea what I just traded for you!

“Is it your table now, too, because this is the second time you sat with them and not me?” Jared crosses his arms.

I close my eyes, my chest sinking.“Jared, don’t be foolish,” I whisper, then open my eyes.“Don’t risk your skin for mine. I’m not worth it.”When will he give up on me?

Jared steps back and looks me dead in the eyes.“That’s where you’re wrong, Mila. You are worth it. My last name might not be King. You might not find me worthy of your love because I’m not rich, but I’m not willing to give you up. Please give me another chance.”

“Jared, this has nothing to do with who you are.” I try to soften my tone.“We tried something, and it fizzled out.”

“Not for me.”

“It did for me.” I shout.

“Are you really dating him?” Jared sneers in utter disgust.

During this moment, I’m thankful Dash forced me to fake date him.“Yes. I am.” I reply.

He holds my stare as if he struggles to understand what I just said.

“Jared please. Keep your head down, get your scholarship, then run wild and free.”

“Being free but lonely isn’t as freeing as you think it is, Mila.” He steps closer.“We’d be so good together. We have chemistry when we dance. I know you feel it.”

It’s true. When Jared and I dance, we’re... magic. We just clicked. I know his moves and he knows mine.

“We are good dancing partners.” I nod.“That’s all, Jared. If you can’t accept that, I will look for another partner.”

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