Page 14 of Behind the Bars

I stood up straighter. “What’s that supposed tomean?”

“I’m not stupid, Jasmine. I know you only agreed to come because you felt bad for that loser. I’ll admit, it’s sexy as fuck that you care about those in need, but I don’t know how much I can leave him alone if you’re only gonna hang out for fiveminutes.”

I was taken aback by his comment. “Is that athreat?”

“What? No way.” He laughed, moving in closer to whisper near my ear. “It’s a promise. A few rounds of spin the bottle, and Boney Bones will make it to seeTuesday.”

“And if I don’tplay?”

“Well, let’s just say things could get a whole lot worse for ElliottAdams.”

I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to slug Todd right in his privates. I hated him more than words could express. I wanted nothing to do with him and his stupid games, but if kissing a few boys meant Elliott wouldn’t be pushed around as much, I’d spin a freakingbottle.

* * *

On Monday,my heart dropped when I saw Todd and his followers shoving Elliott around. I rushed over and pushed Todd. “What the heck are you doing?” I barked. I’d stayed at his stupid party on Saturday. I’d done things I didn’t want to do just so this wouldn’t happen toElliott.

“You said you would leave him alone,” I scowled atTodd.

He licked his lips and combed his hands through his hair. “Did I? I don’t remember. Maybe you should’ve stayed longer, or perhaps next Saturday you’ll usetongue.”

I wanted to vomit as I watched him and his goons walk off. I hurried over to Elliott and helped himup.

“Are youokay?”

He wiped his forehead and pushed his glasses up his nose. “I’m sorry,” he said, leaving mebewildered.

“What? You did nothing wrong. Those guys arejerks.”

“Yeah, well, I’m u-used toit.”

“Just because you’re used to it, that doesn’t make itright.”

He nodded once, and his embarrassment was clear in his stare. “I be-better get to class.” With that, he walkedoff.

Poorguy.

As I went to my locker to get the books for my next class, a girl snapped at me. “What’s your angle, huh?” she barked, barging up to mylocker.

I raised an eyebrow, at how forward she was being as she crossed her arms and glared myway.

“Excuseme?”

“I said what’s your angle? Is it some kind of mean prank where the pretty girl pretends to like the quiet boy and then the popular kids break hisheart?”

“What are you talkingabout?”

“I’m talking about my brother,Elliott.”

Oh…

“I didn’t know he had asister.”

“Yeah, well, now you do. I’m Katie, and you’re the girl who’s using my brother,” shereplied.

“What? No. Elliott ismy—”

“Don’t say friend, you don’t know him,” she sneered, cutting me off. “People like you don’t befriend people like mybrother.”

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