Page 23 of Cruel Academy (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 2)

“Penny sucks. Just ignore her.”

“Everyone here kind of sucks,” I mumble before I can think better of it.

J.C. looks surprised at my boldness and then shrugs. “You aren’t wrong. This place is the worst. Are you a senior?”

I nod.

“Me too.”

“I know.”

He frowns, and I rush to explain. “You’re friends with Caleb. I know Caleb. Err—I just moved in next door. To him. Well, to Finn Foster. Or, where Finn used to live. I haven’t seen him around in a while so I don’t know if he lives there or—”

“Oh, right,” J.C. interrupts my rambling. “I remember that. Yeah, Finn is in New York City. Lucky bastard graduated already. You’ve probably seen Caleb taking care of the place for him.”

I nod again, thinking it might be better if I stay quiet.

My mind flashes back to his threat this morning.If you tell anyone, I’lll make your life a living hell.

I shudder.

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that he meant that threat. He meant it with every cell in his body.

“We hang out over there all the time. You should come over sometime.”

I do my best not to laugh in his face. I don’t think Caleb will be inviting me over for any powwows anytime soon.

J.C. walks with me across the street and into the senior lot. The rest of Ravenlake Prep kept their distance all day, but he doesn’t seem to have the same issue.

His hands are shoved deep in his pockets, and he lopes along like an excited dog, smiling at everyone and being endlessly charming.

Why can’t Caleb be more like his friend?

Why can’t everyone at this school be more like J.C.?

I like this guy. J.C. will be my friend. We’ve only known each other for three minutes, but that’s enough time for me to be sure.

J.C. lifts a hand in a wave and then wraps his arm around my shoulders again, pulling me in close. “Guys, I made a new friend.”

I laugh, glad to know the feeling is mutual.

But the sound dies in my throat when I look up and realize who he is talking to.

11

Haley

Caleb is standing next to a shiny black pickup truck. He is grinning, his teeth gleaming white against his tan skin, and he looks hot as hell. Devastatingly so.

As much as I might deny it, Caleb is kind of gorgeous. He is muscled and broad, but there is a softness in the fine details of him that draws you in even if his personality pushes you out.

Until he sees me.

As soon as that happens, the warmth evaporates, leaving behind an icy chill that cools me to the bone.

“I saved her from the evil clutches of Penelope and her backup bitches.”

“Thanks for that, by the way,” I manage, my eyes pinned to the ground and my shoes—anywhere aside from Caleb.

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