Page 124 of Revenge Puck

His expression hardens, then softens again. “I don’t trust him.”

“Why?”

“I just don’t.”

I give a short, humorless laugh. “Not good enough.”

For a moment we stare at one another like we did when we were kids, staring contest activated, before I break first, slinging the strap of my bag over my shoulder.

“I like him,” I say again, slower this time. Clearer. “He makes me feel good. He makes me feel confident. So, until you give me an actual reason not to, I’m not blowing up the start of something great because you feel like throwing your weight around.”

I don’t wait for him to respond.

I turn and walk out before he can say a single word.

My hands are shaking by the time I hit the sidewalk, and it takes several moments to compose myself. I suck in a breath.Then another.Cold air fills my lungs, burning on the way down.

I hate that I’m crying.

Hate that I’m having doubts.

It takes a full minute before I can trust myself to reach for my phone.

Tap out a text to the first person that pops into my mind—for the first time, that person isnotBlaire.

Juliette: I just walked out on my brother and I wish so much that you didn’t have a game tonight because I could use a hug.

It takes him several minutes to reply.

Aaron: What happened?

Juliette: He was being a jerk. Declan decided to interrogate me about you over coffee—apparently you’re too competitive and I should be careful.

Aaron: I’m sorry he put you in that position.

My heart softens.

Aaron: You don’t deserve to feel questioned for who you choose to spend time with.

God.

Juliette: Thank you. That’s exactly what I said.

Another instant reply.

Aaron: You okay?

The concern in two simple words makes my throat tighten.

I smile despite my somber mood.

Juliette: I’m fine. Annoyed.

Juliette: He wouldn’t come out and say what the problem was but I gathered…he thinks you have some kind of master plan. Which is ABSURD. LOL

There’s another long pause.

Did I insult him? Did that sound like Iagreed?