Page 129 of Cruel Elite (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 3)

And now, all together, we’re going to lose.

Maybe even die.

I don’t want to think it’s a possibility, but I have to. The Hell Princes have done far worse for far smaller infractions, and after how much we embarrassed them last semester, they are angry.

I’m just sorry J.C. and Caleb got wrapped up in this mess, too.

I wish it had only been me.

“Take me!”

I press up onto my arms, and a Hell Prince takes the opportunity to kick me in the stomach again.

I drop flat, groan, and then lift up again.

“Just take me.”

Tank whistles and his guys stop fighting, though they keep a hold on J.C. and Caleb.

He narrows his eyes at me. “What?”

“You came for me, so take me,” I say. “Only me. Let my friends go.”

“Noah, no.” Caleb shakes his head. “We aren’t leaving you.”

“You all don’t need to fight this for me. It was my gun. That’s what you’re mad, right, Tank?” I wipe blood from my nose and spit on the ground. “You’re mad that I scared you all away with a gun? Then it sounds like your problem is with me.”

“They came for my girlfriend,” Caleb grits. “I should be here fighting.”

“No, you shouldn’t. Neither of you should.”

“I know that’s right. I should be back fucking a girl senseless, but instead I’m here fighting to protect my friends.” J.C. sits up and shakes his head like he’s trying to clear stars from his vision. Then, he grins at me, his teeth bloody. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“You all have been good friends to me, and I can’t let you go down for something I did.”

Caleb opens his mouth to argue, but Tank interrupts with a deep belly laugh. “You all talk like you have a choice. Do you really think I plan to look this gift horse in the mouth? You all three landed in my lap, and I’m going to make the best of it. You aren’t leaving.”

Suddenly, I hear the click of a gun and a voice from the darkness.

“Yes, they are.”

39

Noah

Everyone turns to see Penny standing with her legs spread and a gun outstretched in her arms.

Haley is just behind her, her eyes locked on Caleb’s, scanning him for injuries.

“Fucking badass,” J.C. says, clapping softly. “You girls really brought it full circle. Bravo.”

The Hell Prince standing behind him kicks him in the back, making J.C. groan.

Penny fires off a shot in the trees overhead. Everyone ducks instinctively.

“I’m not playing with you,” she says. “Let them go. Now.”

“Angel,” Tank croons, taking a step forward, angling himself towards her, “what are you doing? You know this invalidates our deal.”

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