I shake my head to clear it. “What…? That’s not from lacrosse,” I realize. “Someone hityou.”
Kellan grimaces. “Don’t pretend you don’tknow.”
We put a premium on words, but actions speaklouder.
I told Tyler not to tell my dad aboutKellan.
It never occurred to me he’d take matters into his ownhands.
The boy I’ve never seen lose his temper finally lostit.
I should be sickened or angry, and part of meis.
But there’s a surge of convictionunderneath.
Kellan’s expensive cologne makes my stomach turn, but I step closer. “I know what you think happened, but I’m going to do you a favor and tell you thetruth.
“I didn't pick Tyler Adams overyou.”
Kellan opens his mouth to respond, and I cut himoff.
“But Iwould.”
A gasp comes from the wings. I don’t look to see if it’s Carly or Jenna or theminions.
“He’s twice the man you are,” I press, “because he doesn’t let petty bullshit get in the way of whatmatters.
“Now, I know you’re no prince, but for the next hour, do us both a favor andpretend.”
5
You ever havea dream that's so real you can't tell it apart from thetruth?
That’s the kind I’ve beenhaving.
Dark, seductiveshapes.
Whispered promises of things I told myself I neverwanted.
I never used to dream, but lately I can’t stop, and every time I dream it’s thesame.
Tonight in the headmaster’s office after school is no dream. It’s anightmare.
“Mr. Jamieson, there’s been an incident.” The headmaster’s imperious tone has an apologetic edge, like he’d rather be getting a colonoscopy than delivering thenews.
Most people don’t like pissing off Jax Jamieson. I getit.
“What kind of incident?” My mentor’s voice is whisky on the rocks. The guy could chew you out without losing that smokydepth.
I wish I could shove out of this too-low leather chair and stalk the hell out of this “look how rich we are” office. Instead, I force my gaze to the blotter in on the headmaster’sdesk.
“Mr. Adams assaulted another member of the senior class. Mr. Albright is a member of the lacrosse team,” the headmaster drones as if thatmatters.
“What’d he do to you?” Jaxdemands.
I don’t answer, but my knuckles grip the arm of thechair.
Since moving to Dallas, I’ve gotten a read on everyone atschool.