Deceitful (Rules of Deception 1)

“You’re right. The proof was destroyed when I almost died,” I said quietly.

He swallowed and looked down. “Did you tell anyone about it?”

“No.”

But what if Devon knew? Or maybe Dr. Hansen? What if Madison had gone to her to ask about the pregnancy? Yates could’ve killed Dr. Hansen in order to silence her.

The school bell rang once—only five minutes until the next class started—and Yates released a breath. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm. “This is a new chance for both of us. My wife and I have started marriage counseling. We should leave the past behind. Just think what people would say about you if they found out about us.”

I couldn’t believe he was trying to make Madison feel guilty and threatening her reputation. Disgusted, I shook him off and stormed out of the room. Nobody paid me any attention as I hurried away. My brain was struggling to wrap itself around what had just happened when Ryan stepped in my way.

“We need to talk,” he said. I wasn’t sure if I was in the mindset for another difficult conversation but I nodded anyway.

“Let’s go somewhere private,” Ryan said, turning on his heel. At the other end of the corridor, Francesca made a face that would have impressed even Kate. She gave me the evil eye as I followed him; gossip would be floating around school soon.

Ryan led me into an empty unlocked classroom, closed the door, and leaned up against it. I braced myself for an argument as I waited for him to speak. He pushed himself off the wall and began moving toward me but then stopped and ran a hand through his hair. He looked nervous. “Listen, Maddy.”

The way he said it, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it, his face warped with regret, I knew this conversation wouldn’t take the turn I’d thought. I let him take my hand in his own, which were big and calloused. It wasn’t quite as bad as Yates touching me, but I didn’t want Ryan to be this close, either.

“I’m sorry for what happened. It was stupid of me and it won’t happen again. I really want you back.”

What wouldn’t happen again?

“Please, Maddy.”

His other hand came up to my neck and that was too much. I tried to pull away but his hands tightened around me like vices.

“Let me go,” I hissed.

“Don’t be like that, Maddy. You know I love you. We were the dream couple, why ruin it all?”

His hand on my neck drew me toward him, trapping my hand between us. He was so close I smelled the staleness of cigarettes on his breath. “Let me go,” I said, shifting my weight to get a better stance. “You’ve got a new girlfriend, go be with her.”

“Chloe? Please. I was just trying to make you jealous. It’s nothing. I want only you.”

Our lips were inches apart. I struggled against his grip but with a thrust he pulled me into his arms and pressed his lips against mine. His fingers dug into my skin. Images from my training with Alec flashed in my mind. I clenched my mouth shut and jerked my knee upward. Bull’s-eye.

With a feral noise—half yowl, half groan—he let go of me and staggered backward before sinking to his knees as if he was about to pray.

A shudder went through my body. That had almost been my first kiss.

“What the hell’s gotten into you?” he panted. “Why’d you do that?”

“Because you don’t understand the meaning of no,” I said, careful to stay out of his arm range. He was strong and tall. The element of surprise was what had given me an advantage, but that was gone now.

He closed his eyes. I couldn’t read his expression. Was he angry or apologetic?

“What happened before I broke up with you?” I demanded. The bell rang a second time. I’d be late for class.

He cradled his crotch in his hands, looking up at me with damp eyes. He pressed his lips together. For a moment it looked as though his eyes had clouded over. Had I hit him that hard?

“You okay?” I asked stupidly.

“No, I haven’t been okay since you broke up with me.”

The door opened, hitting Ryan in the back and making him stumble forward.

Alec poked his head into the room; his eyes darted between Ryan and me before he stepped inside and closed the door.

“Get out. This is private,” Ryan growled, a fine sheen of perspiration on his face.

Alec ignored him. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “We were just talking.”

“Is this your new boyfriend? That took all of five minutes.” Ryan staggered to his feet, his shoulders hunched from pain. He looked like the answer would really crush him. But there was something else at play.

“That’s none of your business,” Alec said before I could say no.