Page 88 of Cruel Elite (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 3)

Jen laughs like I’ve told a joke. “It’s going to be one of the biggest parties of the year. You have to be there. Everyone is planning to hook up.”

“Are you and J.C. going to find a bush somewhere to get wild in?” Anika asks sarcastically, nudging Jen in the ribs.

Jen does not find the constant teasing about her night in the woods with J.C. very funny, but Anika won’t let up.

Especially because Jen is still under the impression that J.C. is promised to her now.

As if having sex bonds you together.

I know better than anyone that isn’t true.

I thought Noah and I were sharing something special.

The sex in his basement felt good, obviously. It felt…healing.

As though we were sorting through all of the shit in our pasts and finding our way back to one another.

It was a spiritual experience for me, but Noah practically ran from the room afterward.

In the days since, I’ve had time to go through all of the stages of grief. Or, at least a few of them.

I wish I could be at Acceptance, but I also know that if Noah showed even the tiniest hint of wanting me, I’d throw myself at him again.

If only to feel the way I did in his basement for a few more minutes.

When I got home, my mom was pissed I was home so late. She sent me to my room without dinner.

Over the weekend, I managed to grab a few granola bars from the pantry and eat a few bites of lunch, but otherwise, she told me it was about time I went on a fast.

“You’re looking a little bloated,” she said, taking my sandwich away. “Maybe no more bread.”

Even knowing Noah was right about me—about how I’m desperate for acceptance and love—doesn’t make it easier to stop looking for it.

So, the easiest thing to do is steer clear of him and hope the memories fade with time.

But that’s hard to do when he wants to escort me to parties.

Why does he want to go with me, anyway?

He didn’t want to see me after I had sex, so why now?

What’s his plan?

“J.C. is free to do what he wants, and I’m free to do what I want,” Jen says. “We aren’t exclusive.”

“Or in a relationship at all,” Anika snickers.

Jen glares at her and turns to me. “Have you heard about who might be The Sacrifice at Spring Fling this year? I heard a girl from Public might do it. Like, is that even allowed?”

“Only a girl from Public would have so little self-respect. Maybe it’s going to be Haley Cochran!”

“She goes here now.”

“I know,” Anika says, rolling her eyes. “But she used to go to Public. Maybe the story got garbled along the way. That would explain why Caleb has been hanging out with her. Maybe it was all a rouse to convince her to put out for everyone.’

Jen cackles. “She probably didn’t need much convincing.”

They both turn to me, expecting me to toss in an insult or laugh along with them.

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