Page 45 of Princess of Hawthorne Prep

“Here’s what you need to get through your thick head—you belong to me, and there will never be a time when that’s not true.”

Tears spring to my eyes.

No.

No.

No.

I don’t realize that I’m chanting the words out loud until someone says, “Let her go, Morgan!”

For a heartbeat, his hands tighten before disappearing. It takes every ounce of strength I have to stay upright and not collapse at his feet. I stagger away on shaky legs before turning to meet Duke’s gaze. Concern floods his eyes as they slide from me to my ex.

“Stay away from Delilah.”

Jasper straightens to his full height. “What’s your problem, Carmichael?”

“You. You’re my fucking problem. Now get the hell out of here before I beat your ass.”

I stumble backward, only wanting to distance myself from him. I could be on the other side of the world, and it wouldn’t be far enough.

With narrowed eyes, he grits his teeth. “You really think you can tell me what to do?”

Duke’s hands tighten as he steps toward the other boy. “Delilah has made it perfectly clear that she wants nothing to do with you. That isn’t going to change anytime soon.”

Jasper smashes his lips together and glares at Duke before his narrowed gaze settles on mine.

“This isn’t over,” he snarls. “Not by a long shot.”

I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin. “It’s been over for a while. You just refuse to accept it.”

When he takes a quick step in my direction, Duke barks, “Touch her and I’ll break your damn arm. Your QB days will be long gone.”

Jasper bares his teeth like a rabid animal before stalking away. It’s only when the blond boy vanishes into the velvety darkness that swirls around us that I realize I’m trembling from the encounter.

“Thank you,” I whisper, barely able to keep my voice from wavering.

What would have happened if Duke hadn’t stumbled upon us?

A shiver slithers down my spine.

Unfortunately, I know exactly what would have occurred. He would have made good on every single promise.

Duke’s brows pinch together as he glares in the direction Jasper stalked off. It’s almost like he expects him to make a reappearance. Truthfully, so do I. Jasper is nothing if not persistent.

His gaze resettles on mine. “I got worried when you didn’t return.”

“Sorry. I…” My voice trails off. I don’t want to admit that I went looking for Austin.

Duke’s expression softens. “I’ll talk to Kingsley about it in the morning. He can let Jasper know that he’s no longer welcome.”

Relief courses through me at that knowledge. Now I need to figure out what I’m going to do once we return to Hawthorne.

What Jasper’s actions have slammed home tonight is that he will never leave me alone.

DELILAH

My eyes fly open as I’m ripped from sleep and my wrists are shackled before being forcibly dragged above my head. A dark face looms above mine as a scream gathers in my throat.

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