Page 104 of Vicious Little Snakes

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Carebear:Heard you and Kai made up. Was there kissing involved because that’s hot.

Me:Just me kissing his ass.

I laugh as soon as I hit send, typing again.

Me:That joke played out differently in my head. But yeah, we’re good.

Carebear:Good. So tell me, is Donovan the next stop on your apology train?

The elevator dings, but I don’t look up, stepping out into Donovan’s penthouse entrance. Her mean-ass butler, Vic, doesn’t smile as I look up and say, “Sorry, just sending a text. But I know where to go.”

Me:I’m on my way to her room now—with cookies.

I wait for a minute, starting my way to Donovan’s room but stop again in the hallway when Caroline doesn’t text back.

Me:Carebear, don’t be like that…I know what your face is doing rn. You’re always my favorite—there, now you can screenshot it for proof.

Carebear:xx

There are my kisses.

Me:oo

Caroline

The sound of lockers closing around me muffles the sound of my own. Everyone that goes to Hillcrest is losing their minds today because it’s the crew race day. The minute St. Simeon buses began pulling up in the parking lot, boys started acting like dogs, barking as a sign of their loyalty, while the girls started primping.

I wasn’t surprised. Crew hoes have no commitment to a team. They’re only loyal to the wood. Speaking of crew hoes, Laura slides up next to me, pulling her backpack higher onto her shoulder. “Jesus, you’d think it was a pro game. People are going crazy.”

“Well, St. Simeon is number one in their division, like us, so I suppose people like a good fight.”

I button my blazer, already feeling a chill coming down the hall as the doors keep opening. Laura looks over her shoulder, waving to some girls I don’t care about, then looks back to me.

“We should go get a place before the hill gets too crowded. I brought a few blankets. I’ll run by my car and grab them.”

My phone buzzes, making me press my lips together before releasing them with a pop. “‘Kay. Bye. I’ll meet you there.”

She smiles, turning around, and heads toward the door as I pull my phone from my blazer. It’s been a week since Liam and I began secretly texting. During school, we give each other nothing but a stolen look, here and there, but late at night, we talk about everything and nothing.

Kai was right when he said I was playing with fire because I think my idea of friends is going up in flames.Oh my God, he has me repeating that dumb saying in my head.

Liam:I don’t see your face. Carebear…

Me:Don’t text that tone with me. I’m still deciding if it’s worth my while.

Liam:It’s not. But come anyway. I always put on a good show.

The smile on my face is too broad. It’s happening a lot lately. I debate what to text back as a raspy voice says, “Hey.”

My eyes lift, blinking at Donovan standing in front of me. Closing my phone screen, I slip it back into my blazer pocket and wrinkle my forehead.

“What?”

She motions with her head, saying casually, “Let’s go,” while pulling the sleeves of her cardigan down halfway over her hands.

My head draws back. “Where?”