Page 127 of Cruel Academy (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 2)

Haley screams behind me and the tension boils over as a fight finally breaks out between the Golden Boys and the Hell Princes.

Bumper is on his knees after one punch, his eyes bleary and unfocused.

I turn around just in time to see Haley join the fray alongside J.C. and Noah. They are outnumbered five to three, but J.C. and Noah can hold their own well enough.

Especially since Haley is squaring off with Levi.

I take a step towards them. Even knowing that Haley can and has defended herself against Levi before, my instinct is to protect her. To save her.

Before I can, an elbow slams into my spine.

I have to admit, it’s a good hit from someone as useless as Bumper. My knees wobble under the force of it, but I manage to step out of the hit and find my footing again.

“She has you under some kind of spell,” Bumper says, swiping at the blood dripping down his chin before lifting his hands to protect his stupid face.

The confidence from a few minutes ago is gone. Now, his words come off like begging.

“We both know she isn’t worth this kind of anger.”

His eyes flick past me to the fight beyond, and I angle myself slightly so I can see.

One Hell Prince is lying over a row of the rusted-out bleachers and another is standing back, jockeying back and forth from one foot to the other but never quite gaining the gumption to join the fight and help his friends, who, despite having the numbers advantage, are being destroyed by J.C., Noah, and Haley.

Haley has taken up the defensive position in the middle, moving in a slow circle as she strikes out at anyone who manages to get close.

J.C. and Noah are stationed around her, taking the offensive route. They both move away from her in either direction, attacking the bikers who look like they altogether regret following Bumper into the school building tonight, before returning, as though they are tethered to her.

They are protecting her while I’m busy elsewhere.

Their loyalty to Haley is a sign of their loyalty and friendship to me.

Not only did they not ditch me as soon as they realized I’m poor and a liar, but they are taking care of my … well, the girl I care about.

I’ve never been more grateful for my friends.

“You don’t know shit.”

Now that I know Haley is okay, I can focus on Bumper.

“Actually, I think you know a lot, but you’re too ashamed of yourself to admit it.”

Bumper frowns. “What kind of psychobabble are you spewing? I thought we were supposed to be fighting.”

“Oh, I’m absolutely going to destroy you like I’ve wanted to for years, but I have enough time for a few truth bombs, too.”

I lower my hands and lift my chin, looking down at Bumper like the scum he is.

“You’ve always known Haley was too good for you, which is why you pushed her around and beat up on her. You wanted to make sure she wouldn’t leave you. You wanted to keep her around and subservient to you because, as long as she obeyed you, it made you feel worth something. It made you feel better than her.”

Bumper rolls his eyes, but his plastered-on smile has a sharp edge to it. He can’t quite meet my eyes.

“But she left you as soon as she got the chance. Haley realized what a lowlife, insecure creep you are, and you can’t stand that she isn’t scared of you anymore. So you’re trying to start another feud between our people, not because we are a threat to you, but because you can’t handle losing control. You are willing to throw your friends in front of you like human shields all because your fragile ego got hurt.”

I flex my fingers and shake my head.

“You use people and abuse people, and yes, I’m going to punch you in the face because you hurt Haley, but mostly, I’m going to punch you in the face because you’re a selfish asshole, and you deserve it more than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Bumper’s face is red and his chest is heaving with anger and embarrassment. His gaze flicks over my shoulder for a second.

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