Page 336 of Ruthless Court

“Say please.”

“You’re abusing personal growth.”

“Please is one syllable.”

“Please.”

I hand him the Twizzler.

“See? Character development.”

He takes a bite.

Then holds out his hand across the console.

Not grabbing mine.

Waiting.

I look at it.

At him.

At the road ahead.

Tonight I told him pieces of myself I have spent years keeping hidden.

Then I asked him to kiss me.

Now I’m carrying an overnight bag to his apartment.

A month ago, I gave him a fake name so he couldn’t find me.

I place my hand in his.

Kane laces our fingers together.

No cameras.

No questions.

No promises I'm not ready to make.

Just one more choice.

Mine.

He pulls away from Briar Hall.

I settle deeper into the seat, our hands joined between us, my books and terrible pajamas packed behind me.

Maybe this is reckless.

Maybe tomorrow morning I’ll wake up and panic.

But tonight?

Tonight I want to find out what happens when I stop running before something has the chance to become good.