Page 7 of Savage Truth

“Okay, I’m back. Sara’s even got snacks and a drink. There shouldn’t be any interruptions for at least an hour. So what’s up?”

I filled her in on everything, including how Cole found the video I’d taken of the fight on my phone and deleted it and what I overheard his dad say in the hallway.

“So let me get this straight,” Cass said. “Cole’s dad has forbidden him from making a move on you?”

“Yep.”

“And you were in his room tonight when he got home from the game in very short shorts and a tight tee?”

“Correct.”

“What’s the plan here? Are you seriously going to do his laundry? I’m down for the teasing part because I know where you’re going with that. He kisses you again—”

“Not a hardship.”

“Exactly. But it’s payback time if he does it in front of his father.” She laughed under her breath. “I love it. When and how will this go down?”

“We’re supposed to go out to dinner in about five minutes. I need to change. Cole was already downstairs. I’m not sure where Damon is or if they’ll even go.”

“Somehow, I doubt it. There’s a party tonight at Eliana’s.”

“Who’s she? And do I need to worry about her too? I already have the Barbie Club on my back.”

“Not important. If anything, she’s a drive-by for him. Let’s focus on what you’re going to do at the dinner. That would be a great time to get him to kiss you.”

“I’m not sure if that’ll work because he’ll be on guard. But it’s perfect for making him as hot and bothered as I can.”

“Wear your hair up. And definitely sit next to him. If you can accidentally brush against him, do that.”

I laughed. “It’s like you’ve done this before.” So had I— about five minutes before, in his room.

“Matt’s not a fast mover. I do what I must to encourage him. I think he’s still a little wary because of seeing me with Damon that one time.”

I chuckled. “One time seems to be too many with the boys in this school.”

“You’re talking about the wimps we have on the football team?”

“Nailed it.”

She had tried to introduce me to one of the guys that had shown interest, but Cole had gotten to what seemed like every guy. They were terrified of being seen talking to me, which meant no dating for me. It wasn’t unusual, given how much I’d moved around, and I could deal with it. But it would have been great to take my mind off Cole. He took up entirely too much real estate inside my head.

“Okay, I’ll do that at dinner. But I’ll have better luck with him kissing me again if we’re in the kitchen or downstairs… where I hope his father is too.”

“Then that’s your goal. What are you gonna do about stupid maid duty?”

I shrugged. “I’m good with it. I can search his room. Laundry isn’t a big deal to me. And if a red shirt finds its way into a load of whites…”

Cassie laughed. “I love it!”

“Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you why you’re friends with me when everyone else is scared of the Elites?” I’d thought it strange from the start and knew she was friendly with one of the Barbie Squad but not much else. There was a beat of silence, and I worried that I’d crossed some sort of line before her sigh traveled through the connection.

“I’ve known Brooke all my life. We used to do ballet at the same studio, but in junior high, things got hard for her. We were close—more than she is with the popular crowd.”

“I haven’t seen you guys talk to each other.”

“Nope. And we won’t. Being in the top tier is everything to her, and she won’t do anything to rock that boat. Let’s just say I have some information on her that she doesn’t want known around school.”

I stretched out on my bed, crossing my legs at my ankles. “What kind of information?”

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