Page 82 of Just a Little White Lie

“I’ve given him plenty.”

“Donottake him off the team, I beg of you.”

She drops the pen, threading her fingers together and studying me with an assessing gaze that makes me feel like a peasant in her throne room.

Holding up her finger, she wags it at me and quietly warns, “One more chance. That’s all he’s got. I will allow the team to stay in this competition, but if Maverick orany of themare caught fighting in my school, they’re out. Are we clear?”

I clench my jaw and nod. “As long as Ronan and his mouthy bunch of friends control themselves, I don’t see that being a problem.”

That hard glint jumps back into her eyes, and it takes everything in me not to shrink away from it. “Can I suggest you keep your opinions of Ronan to yourself? You’re doing your dance crew no favors by insulting him.” She holds up her finger again. “One. Chance. That’s it.”

My swallow is thick and audible. Standing on shaking legs, I force a smile. “Thank you.” Saying the words is like ingesting tar, but I keep my manners in place, even managing to quietly close her office door before storming out to my car and slamming my door shut with venom.

My insides are raging. I’m livid at Ronan for the position he put Maverick in. Who cares if his mother is chairman of the freaking board!

I’m nervous that Maverick won’t be able to control himself. I need to talk to him, but I don’t want to make him feel like I’m against him.

Hitting the wheel with my hand, I let out an irate scream before driving home, my insides a stormy torrent of emotions.

I walk in the door, slamming it shut behind me. I don’t know if anyone’s home and am grateful for the empty kitchen and dining area. I don’t want to face Luke right now. I’m too riled to hold a civil conversation with anyone.

Dumping my bag on the bed with a growl, I fling off my jacket and toss it over the back of my chair.

“Are you okay?” Jack’s question makes me jolt, and I spin to face him.

I’m breathing like I’ve just run home, and all I can manage is a swift headshake.

“What happened?” His voice is so sweet with concern. It’s a gentle rain on my firestorm.

As soon as he steps into my space, I fold against him. He cradles the back of my head into his chest, kissing my hair before taking a seat and bringing me with him.

“Talk to me, Sad Eyes. What’s up?”

I sniff and huff. “I’ve just had a meeting with Principal Kwan. She told me if Maverick doesn’t watch himself, he’s off the team, and I just know the rest of the kids will not let that fly. I’m gonna lose them.”

He runs a hand lightly down my back. His comforting touch is a balm.

“What’d he do?”

I rest my head on Jack’s shoulder and murmur, “He punched a kid at lunchtime.”

Jack lets out a disgusted snort, and I sit up, gripping his shoulder with a frown.

“He was totally provoked. And he was the only one who got in trouble. It’s so completely unfair. Those kids are treated like second-rate citizens at that school. Even within the boardinghouses. The others get to go out on the weekends, spending up their huge allowances, while the misfits have to kick around at the school. They never have money to go and do anything. They’re always made to feel like the poor outcasts.” I wrestle off Jack’s knee and start to pace. “I hate it so much, and it makes me see red that the principal is threatening to disband the whole group when the real bullies of the school can strut around like they freaking own the place!”

Jack snags my wrist, tugging me back onto his knee. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay!”

He rubs my back, kneading the tight muscles in my neck and kissing the side of my head.

“Tell me what happened.”

I launch into all the details, rambling and ranting as I pour out my frustrations over the injustice of it all. It’s an exhausting process, and I finally slump against Jack with a huff.

“I fought for them in that office. I did my best.”

“I’m proud of you,” he murmurs. “What’s the final outcome?”

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