Page 50 of Cruel Elite (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 3)

Tank smiles at me, the glint in his eyes betraying his expression, and hands me my phone.

At the same time, he motions for the Hell Prince at the top of the stairs to come down.

When I grab my phone, Tank wraps his hands around both of mine and bends low, his nicotine breath wafting over my face.

“You’re making the right choice, angel.”

They turn and walk into the kitchen. I hear the patio door close behind them.

My knees give out beneath me.

16

Penny

I’ve got to get out of this town.

Any other person who was at home babysitting their little sister when two motorcycle club members broke in would call the police. They would report the incident to the proper authorities and watch as justice was carried out.

But me?

I let my mom and stepdad inside after their rideshare pulled up in the drive way, locked all of the doors, and went to bed.

Now, the morning after, I’m sitting at school.

Less than twelve hours after being confronted in my own home and threatened by men I barely know, I’m at school.

Like everything’s fine.

Like that didn’t happen.

All because I have no idea if anyone would believe me.

I could go to the police, but in order for anything to be done, my mom would have to be on my side. More likely than not, she’d assume I was making up a story for attention.

Or she’d want to sweep the whole thing under the rug as quickly as possible to avoid any damage done to our family’s public image.

Then, Delanie could be in serious danger simply because I have a shitty relationship with my mom.

I can’t let that happen.

So telling Momma is out. And Stepdad Steve is useless, so he’s out, too.

Outside of my family, there’s no one else to tell.

Anika and Jennifer are useless blabbermouths who would have the whole story all over the school before I could even finish telling it.

Then, same as the first scenario, Delanie could be in danger.

Tank told me to stay quiet. I assume that means to everyone.

Including Noah.

Honestly, the more I’ve thought about it, the more it seems possible that this could solve all of my problems.

Tank wants Noah and is willing to hurt Delanie to get to him. I care about Delanie’s safety way more than I currently care about Noah’s.

So, I’ll go along with the plan.

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