Page 31 of Cruel Academy (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 2)

My heart is still hammering against my ribs. I think I did a good job of playing it cool, but I never know for sure when it comes to him. There’s too much between us for me to read the situation clearly.

Too much tension.

Too much history.

Too much fear.

But this might work. Throwing myself at Caleb’s mercy might actually be the only way to save myself from his wrath.

Either that, or I just did the dumbest thing possible. Offered myself up to the monster like a tasty snack and said, “Eat me, please!”

Idiotic or inspired? Only time will tell.

I go shower and change out of my sweaty running clothes. Dad is working late, so Mom is eating in the kitchen alone, but I don’t feel like joining her.

I’m not hungry anyway. Not after that encounter. In fact, I’ve got enough adrenaline still pumping that I feel like I could go for a second run.

The feeling of Caleb’s hard, muscled body pinning me close still haunts me.

I’m not sure whether I like that or not.

Eventually, the adrenaline gives way to exhaustion and I fall asleep on top of my covers. I dream of Caleb, doing what he threatened to do in his truck at school yesterday: strip me naked and send me scurrying out into the parking lot for all to see.

It’s a lot hotter than it ought to be.

When I wake up, I get dressed and head downstairs. Another day at Ravenlake Prep—joy, oh joy.

Mom’s already up and at ‘em. “You never told us about your first day,” Mom says from the kitchen.

“Mmf,” Dad agrees with a mouthful of cheese danish.

“I did tell you. It was fine.”

She sighs and tips her head to the side. “That tells me nothing. Did you make friends? Were your classes interesting? Is the lunch food better?”

“No. No. And hell no.”

Dad frowns. “What about—"

But I cut him off with a fake, toothy smile. “I have to go.”

“Wait.” Mom comes around the island, her palms pressed against her wool trousers, fingers tense. “I know this has been a big transition for you—the move, new school, your breakup—”

I roll my eyes, but she reaches out and squeezes my elbow, draining the angst right out of me.

“Your dad and I want to help. How can we make things better?”

“Let me get a job,” I say without hesitation. She opens her mouth to argue, but I continue before she can. “I’d make friends with my coworkers, and I’d have extra money to spend. Plus, it would help me prepare for college. I’ll have to have a job then.”

“No, you won’t. Your dad and I will take care of you while you focus on your education.”

“Exactly,” Dad chimes in.

I groan. “I don’t want you to take care of me. I want to take care of myself.”

“Take care of yourself by being a kid as long as you can.” She smooths a hand down my cheek.

But I back away from her hand. Ever since Levi pressing that nasty mouth of his on me at the fight the other night, I’m wary of being touched.

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