Page 111 of Cruel Elite (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 3)

That finally catches Caleb’s attention.

He glares at J.C., a warning etched in the lines of his face. “That’s your second warning, asshole. Stop trying to have sex with my girlfriend.”

J.C. rolls his eyes, obviously just kidding, and turns to me. “What’s your excuse, pendejo? You’re just staring out the window.”

“It’s a party. Cabin, alcohol, drugs. How much planning is really involved?”

“You’d know if you were paying any attention!”

J.C. begins to ramble off a list of things he is in charge of as “Master of Ceremonies” for Spring Fling.

Apparently, there are competitions and games to organize, cups and ice to buy, and food to procure.

He mentions other things too—none of which sound particularly complex.

But I can’t stay focused.

It’s been almost a week since I’ve seen Penny. Since we hooked up at our old spot.

What was I thinking taking her there?

Since we parted ways two years ago, I’ve been going back there regularly.

It’s the place where everything went wrong.

But it’s also the place where I was happiest.

I thought going back would return some of that happiness to me…

But it never did.

Not until I was there with Penny.

She told me she missed me and that she cared about me. She told me that her mom is abusive and she and my dad—now her stepfather—aren’t close.

Basically, Penny told me the opposite of everything I thought to be true.

For years, I’ve convinced myself that Penny was living the perfect life. She was popular with a mom and a dad at home who adored her and a cherub-like little sister who has my same caramel brown hair and Penny’s green eyes.

Now, I know the life I imagined for Penny was a lie.

It was a lie constructed from my own bitterness and jealousy and insecurity.

And even now that I realize it was a lie, it doesn’t change how angry I am.

It doesn’t change how bitter I am that my life is different. Shattered beyond repair.

It also doesn’t change how much I want her.

No matter what has happened, that yearning deep inside me has never gone away.

And now that I’ve tasted her again and felt her body clench around me, that yearning has only grown.

“For fuck’s sake!” J.C. shouts. “Is anyone listening to me?! I figured The Sacrifice would get your attention, but you two are hopeless.”

I get up from the couch and grab my leather jacket, slipping my arms into the well-worn sleeves.

“Do what you want, okay?”

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