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There’s a bite to his words when he says, ‘I didn’t want Archer to know I was here.’
He knew I was with Archer. Did that mean he asked my dad about me?
‘You look beautiful,’ he says.
I hate the way my heart somersaults, but I force myself to step back. ‘See you at school, Chase.’
He grabs my wrist. He turns it over gently, rubbing his thumb over the bruises.
‘Did Archer do this to you?’
I yank free. ‘It’s none of your business—‘
‘Oh, but it is.’ He presses a hand against the wall beside me and leans in. ‘Every time he hurts you, it’s my business.’
‘He doesn’t hurt me.’
‘So, he wasn’t responsible for that cut on your head? He didn’t step on your hand in the meadow?’
I blink at him.
His mouth twists. ‘Yeah, I caught that. He knew exactly what he was doing. Heknowsexactly what he’s doing.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘He’ll wear you down, Frankie. He’ll convince you you’re insane, cut off your friends and family, and make your world revolve entirely around him and his needs. He’ll hurt you and you’ll have no one else to turn to but him. Look at you,’ he says, and pulls back. He almost falls against the wall, as if the sight of my bruises rips him of energy. ‘He’s already changing you.’
‘Is this why you waited? So you could lecture me about my relationship?’
A muscle ticks in his jaw. ‘I came to apologise,’ he says after a moment.
I fold my arms.
He sighs through his nose. ‘I’ve been a dick to you,’ he whispers. ‘I shouldn’t have ignored you, and I’m sorry. It was never about you—‘
‘Ah, the classicit’s not you, it’s me.’
‘It’s not you.’ His gaze is unflinching. ‘I’m sorry I made you think it was, but it wasn’t, not for a minute, asecond. It’s always been about me, and him.’
‘Archer?’
He takes a deep breath. Like even the mention of him makes him see red. ‘I can’t get the image out of my head. Of you and him. Of him touching you—‘
‘You’re pissed off because I slept with Archer?’
He goes still.
I go still.
He runs a shaky hand through his hair. ‘Don’t give yourself to him. Please. I’mbeggingyou. I don’t give a fuck if you go out with Brian or Greg, but not Archer. You deserve more.’
‘Yeah, I can’t wait to go on a hot date with Greg and finally make the Nintendo Switch Championships.’
‘I’m being serious, Frankie.’
‘Why do you even care?’
‘Because I care about you!’ he explodes.
