Pretty When She Cries - Black Mountain Academy

“Do it again.”

I do it again. And again and again and again. Sucking and biting at him like he belongs to me. Like this night will never end. He tastes so intoxicating I can’t seem to stop. And at some point, my hand comes out of his pants, and both of them are touching every inch of skin I can reach while he grinds my hips over his erection.

The sounds ripping from his throat captivate me like nothing else ever has. I didn’t know I could do this to him. I didn’t know I had so much power. It’s a high like I’ve never experienced, and all I can think about is how I don’t want it to end.

Between my thighs, the friction is getting to me too. I can feel it in the tightening of my muscles. The tingling in my nipples. When Landon sees them scraping against the material of my white tank top, he slides a palm underneath it and brushes his fingers over the tight bud.

Game fucking over.

I come without warning, biting my lip to try to stifle the sound. But my modesty is forgotten when Landon drags the tank top up and dips his head forward to suck my nipple into his mouth. His hand squeezes my ass, harder and harder, and then he groans against my skin as warmth leaks into the fabric of his sweats, soaking into my thighs too.

He’s still got my nipple in his mouth, clenching his fingers around me reflexively as he falls back against the cushion, dragging me with him. He looks up at me, and I know I’ve just won this round.

Eat your heart out, Landon Blackwood.16KailaniAudrey is back.

The low whispers of her return have rippled through the school all morning. The first time I see her is in third period when she flounces in, ignoring everyone who can’t seem to take their eyes off her. She only has laser focus for me, and she makes it clear when she pauses beside my desk, bending down to hiss in my ear.

“I know it was you.”

I ignore her, but all day, tension simmers inside me, winding me up so tight I can’t think straight. I don’t know what she’s going to do. At least not until I head for the gym after school to get ready for dance, only to be interrupted by the principal’s assistant.

“We need you in the office, Kailani.”

I follow her like a zombie, and unlike last time, there isn’t a committee waiting for me on the other side of the door. It’s just Mr. Dawson and Audrey’s mother. Before I sit down, I already know this is a witch trial, and I’m about to burn.

“Is everything okay?” I ask quietly.

Mr. Dawson sighs. “Mrs. Rothschild has come to me with some rather disturbing allegations, Miss Hale. I’d like to address those with you.”

“Okay.”

Outwardly, I’m trying to stay cool, but inwardly, I’m totally freaking out. This must be about the video from the party. Audrey actually ratted me out.

“Is it true that you went to the Rothschild’s home and physically assaulted Audrey before turning on her mother?” he asks.

“What?” The blood drains from my limbs.

“Mrs. Rothschild says you attacked Audrey after the complaint regarding the dance routines, and furthermore, you’ve been threatening her at school as well. There are also two additional witnesses who support these claims—”

“That isn’t true!” I gape at Mrs. Rothschild, who’s as cool as a cucumber. “You know that never happened.”

“Deny it all you want.” She sniffs as she gestures to a stack of photos on the principal’s desk. “The evidence doesn’t lie.”

I examine the photos of Audrey’s scratched-up arms and neck in disbelief. There are also a few bruises for good measure. I always knew she was nuts, but this is borderline sociopathic.

“I didn’t do that!” I focus on Mr. Dawson, silently imploring him to believe me. “I swear it.”

He looks exhausted, and I can only hope he knows how manipulative Audrey and her mother are. But those hopes are dashed in the next sentence.

“I’ve spoken to your mother. She’s on her way to pick you up.”

“But I have dance!” I blurt.

“Pending the investigation into these claims, you won’t be allowed to participate on the dance team until further notice.”

“That’s not fair.” My body vibrates with anger, and I know it’s only proving their point. I look like I can’t control myself. But I can’t help it. This just isn’t right.

“Please gather your things and meet your mother in the parking lot,” Mr. Dawson instructs me. “You can attend classes until we come to a decision, but in the meantime, you will keep your distance from Audrey Rothschild, or it will result in immediate expulsion.”

My legs feel like noodles when I stand and grab my backpack, but apparently, the threats hanging over my head aren’t bad enough. Audrey’s mother has one last parting shot for me.