Page 108 of Torment Her (Rebels at Sterling Prep 5)

“Good. The question is, what are you going to do about it?”

“Do you think he’s still fighting?”

A tight expression falls over him. “I know he is.”

“When’s the next one?”

“Wednesday, I think. Why?”

“Can you take me there?” An idea starts forming in my head.

“I’m not sure that’s what I had in mind when I said you needed to fight for him.”

I roll my eyes. “Can you help me or not?”

“Fine. Wednesday. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Good. And don’t tell anyone else, I don’t want him to know.”

Cole stands, jamming his hands in his pocket. “That’s the Kenny I remember.”

“My plan hasn’t worked yet.”

“It will. Conner’s worried about hurting you. He’s worried about losing control. You need to show him that it’s okay. That you can handle it.”

I give him an understanding nod.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He steps away but thinks against it and turns back to me. “And Kennedy?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re one of us now, and we always look after our own.”

Cole’s words stay with me long after he’s gone.

By the time Wednesday night rolls around, I’m a nervous wreck. I saw Conner and Aimee together again today. She touched his arm as they shared another joke.

I swear I growled like a feral dog as I watched them. Conner had spotted me and tried to talk to me, but I didn’t stick around.

I needed to keep my resolve if I was going to do this.

Checking my reflection in the mirror, I tighten my ponytail and braid the ends. The leggings hug my legs like a second skin, and the oversized sweater hangs off one shoulder, kissing the curve off my butt where it meets my thighs. I look cute, feminine even. But I’m still me. I still have the tattoos and piercings and the big chunky earrings in my ears.

Butterflies flap wildly in my stomach. This could all go wrong. Conner could take one look at me and tell me to leave.

But Cole is right. I have to do this.

I have to fight for him.

For us.

Grabbing my small backpack, I shove my keys and lip gloss inside and head out to meet Cole.

“This is the master plan?” His eyes skirt over my body.

I flip him off. “It’s an underground fight ring, what would you have me wear?” Yanking open the door, I slide inside his car.

“Something a little more tempting?” He ducks inside.

---