Page 66 of Devil's Bargain

“I hate you!”

He flattens my palm over the thick bulge in his boxers. “You can take your mom’s place if you want. I’m not picky.”

I rip my hand away. “Fuck you! Why are you doing this?”

He takes my bag off me, digs out the money, and holds the notes up in the air.

“Please don’t. I need it to pay this month’s rent.”

I meant to do it yesterday, but then things happened.

He’s amused by the tears trailing down my cheeks. “You see my car out front?”

I look through the window. His black car is parked outside. How did I not notice it last night?

“I expect you in the backseat tomorrow after school.”

“Someone will see.”

“No one pays attention to you, April. No one cares!”

He shoves the bag at me and pockets my money inside his boxers, then walks out.

I swipe at my cheeks and hug my empty bag to my chest. The money is gone, and I’m right back where I started.

* * *

I nearly jump out of my skin when I close my locker and come face to face with Rick leaning on the one next to it. His black Henley beneath his letterman jacket is fitted enough to offer me a hint at his muscles.

“What are you doing? Someone will see you.”

His hazel eyes sweep over my face. “Come to my game this weekend.”

“Your game?”

A deep chuckle rumbles in his chest. “Way to hurt a guy’s ego.”

“Sorry?” I hike my bag onto my shoulder and walk off, mindful of watching eyes.

“I won’t make a scene. I promise. I just want to know that you’re in the stands.”

“Why?”

He pulls me to a stop. “I just do!”

Just then, Madeleine sidles up next to him. Her enhanced lips scrunch up in disgust when she looks at me. “Why are you talking to her, Rick?”

I laugh incredulously as she flicks her hair and loops her arm through his.

What a bitch!

I don’t wait around to hear his reply.

It’s not even lunchtime yet, and this day already sucks.

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