Page 76 of Cruel Elite (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 3)

Not one of my mother’s rules, but one of mine. A very important one.

Whether it’s people at school or Momma or strangers, it’s important to be aware of my surroundings.

Who I’m with.

What’s expected of me.

I have to be a different person at school than I am at home or when I’m alone, so I’ve trained myself to read a room and respond accordingly.

Today, I didn’t pay attention.

I got so wrapped up in whether I’d be in trouble with my mom that I didn’t realize I was walking into much more serious trouble.

That oversight is about to cost me.

“I’ve been doing what you said. I’m staying close to Noah and luring him in. I’m doing exactly what you wanted.”

Tank leans towards the console, hand extended, and I can smell the cigarette smoke and dust rising off of his vest.

I try to keep my distance, but Tank grabs my chin between his thumb and forefinger and twists my face towards his.

“I know, angel. You’ve been a very good girl.”

Once again, it’s like there is a flashing neon sign above my head.

Let the Whole World Know That I, Penelope LaFevre, Gave Noah Boone A Blowjob In the Girls’ Bathroom (And I Liked It).

Is there anyway Tank knows about that?

No, definitely not.

Tank is scary because he’s large, not because he’s smart.

It’s not like he’s capable of surveilling the Ravenlake Prep girls’ bathroom waiting for exactly this particular event to occur.

Still, I feel the heat of shame prickling at my chest and neck.

“I just don’t want you losing focus.” Tank shifts his eyes from my face to my hair and grabs the end of my pigtail. He tugs on it and then lets his hand drift a little further, barely brushing against the swell of my breast. “I want to make sure you’re properly motivated.”

“You threatened to hurt my little sister,” I snap, swatting his hand away. “That is plenty of motivation.”

In an instant, Tank swells up to twice his height before, almost like a Macy’s day parade balloon filling with air.

One second, he’s in the seat next to me.

The next, he’s hovering over me only a few inches away.

“If not motivation, then maybe you could stand a refresher in respect,” he growls. “I’d be more than happy to teach you how to be obedient. We’re all alone in this parking lot, after all.”

I look around to see if he’s right.

And my blood goes cold.

We really are alone. My car is the only one left in the lot, and I’m parked behind the Student Activity Center. The lot isn’t visible from the road.

I’m trapped.

“I’m sorry,” I breathe, pulling my arms in tight, trying to make myself as small and insignificant as possible.

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