A Hurt So Sweet Volume Two (Elite of Eden Falls Prep 2)

I don't reply, and a shadow passes over his face. He grips the notebook in one hand, advancing on me and grabbing my throat with the other.

"Did you hear me, princess?" he grits out. "I asked you a goddamn question."

"Yes," I manage through the pressure of his squeezing fingers on my neck. "My name is Pandora, Pandora Oakes."

"Okay, Pandora, Pandora Oakes," he mocks me, finally letting go of me and watching with hunger in his eyes as I stumble back. "You can have your diary back, because I'm such a nice guy. And your ring, too. Just because I like knowing you’re another man’s property."

I raise my brows at him. Nobody is buying his shit - but then again, I don't want to object. He'll just take more from me if I try.

"Give it," I demand, and he holds out the diary for me.

I snatch it out of his hand, shocked when he doesn't try to stop me, force me to play another game with him.

"So," Easton speaks up again, addressing the three guys as I stash the diary in my bag. "Has Booth corrupted this little princess yet?"

I feel goosebumps erupting all over my skin as the three guys exchange glances. Fuck. The moment of truth. Their answer will reveal whether Dex kept my secret... or ruined me forever.

"Not that I know of," Caspian finally speaks up, and a huge weight falls from my shoulders.

So nobody knows. At least not yet. Thank fuck for that.

"Are you sure?" Easton asks thoughtfully, tapping his pointer finger against his chin.

He has a dimple there, I notice distractedly. It's kind of cute.

"Because I was thinking I should really check for myself," he goes on, making me shiver.

"No need," I retort. "Dexter will get really mad if you touch me, anyway."

"Oh, shut up, Pandora," Julian speaks up from behind Easton. "He was more than happy to have you play with all three of us."

God, this is so fucking embarrassing. And worst of all, the entire cafeteria is listening.

"Interesting, interesting," Easton mutters. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to see for myself. Why don't you come closer, Pandora? Right here, next to me?"

I hesitate, even though I know I'm only dragging out the inevitable. He's going to make me do whatever he wants, anyway. Slowly, I walk closer to him, telling myself at least the diary is safely stowed in my bag. Nobody's gotten a sneak peek of Lily Anna's words before me - and I'm hoping that will work in my favor.

Easton pulls up a chair from one of the table, sitting down and tapping his knee.

"Right here, princess," he says with a cruel smirk. "Come sit down."

I swallow a reply, instead walking closer to him and settling on his knee. I'm nervous, my heart pounding in my chest as he places a strong hand on my inner thigh.

"Now how would you like this to go down?" he asks thoughtfully. "We can do it the easy way - you let me see what's between your legs without a single peep coming from your lips... or we can do it the hard way, and I expose you to the entire hall while one of them..." He motions to the other three guys. "Holds you down for me. So, what do you say, princess?"

I hesitate, and he grins, tapping his ear.

"Whisper it in here, I promise not to tell anyone what a needy little slut you are."

I lean in closer, opening my mouth to tell him all my secrets. "The easy way."

"The easy way it is," Easton murmurs, sliding his fingers higher up on my thigh.

There's no denying the fear I feel when he touches me, but there's something else, too. A glimmer of excitement, a spark flying between us as he gently pries my legs apart. With a start, I realize I want him to do this, if only because I don't want him to stop touching me. His touch is electric, his presence magnetic.

And I want so much more.

"I have a feeling you secretly like this..." Easton murmurs against my ear, and I flush, shame burning my cheeks. "Oh, I'm right, aren't I? You fucking love it. Such a dirty little princess."