Lies We Tell (Thistle Cove 3)

“Sorry, Kenley, we made random room assignments to keep things fair. The good news is that we won’t be in the room much anyway. You’ll be fine.

” She hands me my itinerary and a schedule of activities and events, then turns to the student behind me.

The tips of my ears burn, and I grab my bag off the floor. Our room, along with all the other girls’, is on the second floor of the massive lodge—a beautiful stone building with a cozy sitting area on the main floor. I pass the granite fireplace and soft leather couches to go up the wooden staircase. I quickly find the room—Juliette is next door. When she sees Alice, her lips tug down in sympathy. I can’t even imagine what she thinks of her—another conquest of her father’s? Another stupid girl looking for trouble.

I shove in the keycard and it unlocks. I don’t speak until we’re behind closed doors.

“You had something to do with this, didn’t you?” I toss my bag on one of the beds.

“How would I have anything to do with room assignments, Kenley? You’re the one on the committee.” There’s an accusation in there.

“I helped plan the New Year’s Eve party. I had nothing to do with this.”

“Maybe they thought you needed a responsible roommate, you know, so you don’t try to sneak in one of your lovers on the trip.”

I press my fingers to my temples. “I swear to God, Alice. If you’re spreading bullshit rumors about me…”

“They aren’t rumors if they’re true.”

“Then maybe I was assigned to room with you to keep you responsible and not get Coach Chandler fired for inappropriate relationships with a student.”

“I know you’re obsessed with having everything Rose had, but unfortunately, your behavior ensures that you’ve lost your shot with Jason.”

Nausea rolls in my belly. “I don’t want a shot with Jas—Coach Chandler. What’s wrong with you? What are you doing? This isn’t a game, Al. These people are dangerous. They’re predators.”

“You don’t understand anything, Kenley.”

My eyes drop to the scarf. “Take that off.”

She snorts. “What?”

“The scarf. Take it off.”

“No.”

I reach for it, but she pushes her hands against my chest, knocking me back on the bed.

“Keep your fucking hands off me,” she seethes. Her eyes shine, and she holds the scarf tight. “And stay the fuck away from me while we’re on this trip.”

“Fine.” I heave myself off the bed. “If you’re determined to go down this road, there’s nothing I can do to help you.”

I grab my coat and leave the room, the heavy door slamming behind me. Alice Kendrick isn’t my problem—that’s a decision we both made months before. I just hope that unlike the girls that came before her, she gets out alive.

36

Kenley

“Are you ready?”

“Yes. No. Yes.”

“Which one is it, babe?”

“Give me one second.” I take a deep breath and position my feet on the end of the sled. Snowflakes whirl through the air and the hill below us is long and scary. Finn wraps his arms around my waist, engulfing me in his strength and warmth. I grip the sides of the sled. “Okay, I’m ready.”

He rocks back and forth, and we start to slide. He pulls me to his chest, while still holding the reins. We start slow, but quickly pick up speed. A squeal bubbles from my chest and Finn howls with laughter. We rush past other sleds, Finn’s huge body giving us momentum. I see the bump before we get there, it looks small but as the runners go over we pick up more speed, landing hard and wobbly, before careening downhill.

“We’re going to crash!” I shout, wind and snow pelting my face.