Page 21 of Eternal

Bargain.

Like he gave me a choice.

I knew the second he told me he hacked my medical records, he would use the information against me. I just didn’t expect him to do it in the way he did.

All night, I stared at the ceiling, trying to figure out what Declan could possibly get out of a relationship with me. In our families’ social circles, I’m a bad apple.

Too noisy.

Too unpredictable.

Crazy.

It’s why I don’t date, and Ineverhave a boyfriend. No one wants a girl who could snapat any second.

But that’s exactly what Declan asked of me—to date him. To be his girlfriend. Even if he is trying to find a way to piss off our parents, this is an extreme way for him to do it.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I try to figure out what his endgame is. I know what I’m getting out of it, but what about him? And why am I considering this?

I shake my head, but it’s not enough to knock Declan Pierce out of my thoughts because he’s right. Going along with this ridiculous plan will keep my father at a distance long enough for me to figure out what to do about the arrangement for me to marry Jase.

The question is, what else am I getting into by going along with this?

Declan is up to something, and I’m going to figure it out.

I adjust in my seat, and the hardwood creaks beneath me. The library is still warming up for the day, and the cool metal arms of the chair send goosebumps over my skin.

I’m zoning out again, which I suppose is better than when my medication has me wired and on edge.

Leaning forward, I pick up my pencil and take notes on the colonization of America. My free hand digs into my hair. I scratch my nails on my scalp, willing it to help me focus when the letters start to swim on the page.

I’ve never been book smart, and it’s made worse when my prescriptions make it hard to focus on one thing.

The tip of my pencil snaps from pushing too hard on the page, and I groan as I slam it down. As if studyingisn’t already difficult enough, the weight of my deal with Declan isn’t helping me concentrate. And it’s only going to get worse when he picks me up tonight to take me to my parents’ fundraiser.

The Donovans and the Pierces hate each other, and my showing up with the enemy might start the battle they’ve both been itching for. The only reason they’ve held it off this long is mutual business interests and Sigma House. But if anything will set my father off, it will be me meddling in his deal with Vince Ivans.

“Is Teal Donovan actually studying?” Mila’s teasing laugh fills the quiet library.

I look up to see her, Patience, and Violet walking toward me.

I tap my eraser on my textbook, answering her with a glare.

Mila ignores my irritation, smiling as she stops at the chair across the table. “That’s it. If Teal cares about US history, I’ve officially died and gone to heaven.”

“As if you’d get into heaven.” Patience drops into one of the chairs beside me, and Violet and Mila follow suit.

“Very funny.” Mila rolls her eyes, brushing her dark chestnut hair over one shoulder.

Mila and Patience are opposites in every way. Patience is Briar Academy’s ice princess with her white-blonde hair and ice-cold personality. Even her brown eyes, which might seem warm at first, are so pale they’re a cool yellow-gold. Nothing about Patience is comforting and friendly. The exact opposite of Mila.

What Patience lacks in friendliness, Mila makes up for by being the social butterfly of the group. She was born in a commune in Oregon and spent the majority of her teenage years traveling the country in an RV with her parents. She isn’t afraid to explore and try new things—from makeup brands to boyfriends. And she never apologizes for it.

The two of them are constantly picking on each other, but so long as it remains playful, I don’t worry about it.

“I have a test this afternoon.” I turn the page, pretending like I didn’t just skim the last five. “It’s worth a third of my grade, so I figured I’d study.”

It’s the truth, even if it’s also not the real reason I’m at the library.

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