Page 122 of Cruel Academy (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 2)

“Yes.” I turn pleading eyes on him, begging him to understand. I asked Caleb to teach me to fight, not knowing exactly what situations would arise, but now I see exactly what I have to do. “I have to do this. I have to be the one to end this.”

I can tell Caleb wants to argue, but his shoulders sag slightly in resignation, and I know he will support my decision.

John laughs, forcing me to turn my attention back to him. “You can’t be fucking serious. You really want to fight me?”

He lowers his voice and his head, looking up at me from beneath lowered brows. “Haven’t you taken enough beatings to last a lifetime?”

A roar erupts from all around us. Suddenly, Caleb is lunging for John’s neck.

I barely get between them in time.

Caleb’s face is red and the look in his eyes is unhinged. I press my hands to his chest, and immediately he seems to calm a measure.

When I start to speak, his eyes clear.

“Ihavetaken enough beatings to last a lifetime,” I say, both to John and to Caleb. “Which is why I won’t be taking another one.”

Caleb’s full mouth tilts up on one side, and I think I see pride in his expression.

I’ve come a long way from the scared girl I was when Caleb saved me from Levi outside this very building.

I’m still scared, but I know how to overcome it. I won’t freeze or give in.

I’m going to fight for myself and my future.

“Confident little bitch,” John laughs. “You’re going to get destroyed out there.”

Now that I’m sure Caleb won’t start a fight, I turn around to face John. Caleb’s hand snakes around my side, his fingers gripping my hip.

I’m not sure if he is trying to support me or keep a hold on his own temper, but either way, I enjoy the contact.

“If you’re so confident I won’t win, then you might as well indulge me.” I gently pull Caleb’s hand away and step forward, putting little more than a foot between me and my ex-boyfriend. “Because, John, I’m calling you out.”

I can practically hear John’s teeth grinding together as he considers. The Hell Princes around him are silent and watchful.

If he refuses me, it could be seen as a sign of weakness.

Then again, fighting a woman doesn’t exactly make a man look strong. Even then, if he does accept and loses, that would be worst of all.

John has a lot to lose here, and I have a lot to gain.

No matter what, this will be an end to our feud.

If I win, it’s over.

If he beats me, then he will have his revenge, and it will be over.

I stare into his dark eyes, trying my best to hide the trembling in my hands as adrenaline fills my veins.

I can’t falter. I can’t show any signs of weakness.

Finally, John forces a harsh breath out of his nose and throws his hands up in resignation. “Fine. You want to fight? Let’s fight.”

He turns on his heel and walks to the ring in the middle of the floor. And without looking back, I follow.

My heart is pounding against my rib cage. My entire body feels like it is thrumming.

I’ve fought before, but not like this. Never as part of a plan. When I was attacked in the park, there was no time to prepare or think. It was a thoughtless burst of adrenaline, an act of necessity.

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