Page 33 of The Darkest Note

“You know you want to, Cadey.”

I step forward hesitantly.

“You can’t approach it like that.” Viola stands behind me and massages my shoulders. Her fingers are long and slender, perfect for playing piano. Sadly, she has no interest in music.

“How am I supposed to approach it?”

“Like you own it.” She puffs out her chest and sticks her chin up. “Like it’s your worst enemy and today’s the day you stomp them into the ground.” Finally, she drops her stance and returns to the cute, bubbly thirteen-year-old that I practically raised. “Like that.”

“Okay.” I breathe in and stare at the sand bag, imagining Dutch’s beautiful, cocky face. Hauling my fist all the way back, I let a punch fly into the bag. “Jerk!” I think of Dutch’s laughter as he told me he’d enjoy destroying my life. “Bastard!” I punch the bag again and again. “Prick! Trash faucet!”

“Whoa, whoa, sis.” A hand lands on my shoulder. “You’re going to crack the plaster.” She nods to the punching bag that’s slamming into the wall.

I straighten awkwardly and brush my long brown hair out of my face. I’m flushed and my fist is hurting a little, but I’m lighter already.

“You were right.” I smile at Vi. “That does help.”

My sister looks at me as if I’m crazy. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

I laugh and throw my arms around her.

For once, she doesn’t squirm. She hugs me back. “Is something going on at Redwood Prep?”

“Of course not,” I lie, snuggling her closer. There’s no way I’m telling my baby sister that I’ve gotten on The Kings’ bad side. It would only stress her out and there’s nothing she can do about it anyway.

“Everything is great,” I add.

“In that case,” she wiggles away, “would you link me up with Zane Cross? Or even Dutch or Finn.” She bats thick eyelashes. “They’re super hot and super popular and they’re into music. Just like you.”

My arms go limp and I step away from her. Voice tightening, I say, “Get to your homework.”

“Homework?” She makes a face. “I just got home. Let me relax a bit.”

“Viola.”

My sister hops into the sofa and scrolls through her phone. “You’re going to be late for work,” she says smugly.

I glare at her, but she’s got a point. I point to the sandwich. “I made you a snack. Do your homework and don’t—”

“Open the door for anyone except Breeze. I know. You’ve only said it a million times.”

I walk up to her, bend over the back of the couch and kiss her forehead. “I’ll be back after my shift.”

“Don’t work too hard,” she calls absently, half her brain already focused on whatever mindless dribble is on her phone.

On my way to the front door, I cast another look at the punching bag. My knuckles are a little sore, but it’s a good kind of pain. I feel like something in my chest got snapped free.

Dutch better watch out. My energy to fight has just been activated. Maybe I would have considered leaving Redwood Prep before, but because of what he did today, I’ll make it my mission to hold on.

I won’t ever let him win.

* * *

Jinx: Trade a secret for a secret, New Girl. Were you really sleeping with Mr. Mulliez? And what kind of secret did he want to protect that he was willing to leave Redwood than admit why you were really at the lounge that night?

CHAPTEREIGHT

CADENCE