Dynasty Boys

Chapter 10

Elle

Even after several attempts, I couldn't get a word out. What was I supposed to do? Beg him not to hurt me? Beg for his forgiveness? Pretend it wasn't me? Or play dumb?

The one thing I was sure of was that he wouldn't believe my lies. Carter was the kind of guy who always wore a poker face. Sometimes you thought he was happy, but deep down, he could murder you with a smile.

I was in the same situation now. His eyes were locked onto mine, and I tried to find something, anger, frustration, anything, but there was nothing. Just cold, empty calm.

"Cat got your tongue?" His voice was harsh, daring. "Stop looking so gormless and sit."

His tone left no room for refusal. He had the key to my freedom in his pocket, and I knew I couldn't leave.

I shut down the silent prayers racing in my head and walked toward the bed, sitting next to him. My hands folded between my thighs as I stared at the floor, trying to avoid his gaze.

He reached out and gently touched my hair, closing the space between us.

"What did you hear?" His voice was even, but I could hear the edge in it.

"I... Noth—nothing," I stammered, my voice barely audible, wondering if he had heard more than my breath.

"Stop lying to me," he said, his voice darkening. "I hate liars. You heard us."

He took a strand of my blonde hair between his fingers, and I shuddered at his touch. I couldn't lie. He knew the truth. He'd seen me. I wasn't going to pretend anymore. It would only fuel his anger. I just wanted to find Lila and leave this hellhole.

"I did... and I'm sorry. I won't tell anyone," I cried, losing the control I had desperately been holding onto. I didn't care if he saw me like this. After everything, the murder of my parents, the bullying, the frightening texts, I was done pretending to be something I wasn't.

He stopped stroking my hair and opened his mouth, his words sharp.

"Right. Don't try anything you'll regret. Your reputation is already in shambles, and I'm sure you've heard the rumors about your parents..."

I looked up at him, tears clouding my vision, and saw a hint of amusement in his eyes. He was enjoying this. He was enjoying my misery.

"Please, Carter... Let me go. I won't tell anyone, I promise!" I whispered, my voice trembling, trying to read his emotions.

"Of course you won't," he said coldly, wiping my tears with his thumb. "But I noticed your friend... you're always with her. I don't think you'd want anything bad happening to her. Or to your grandma, Isabella."

He knew my grandma?

Was he really threatening them? I should've stayed away from this party. I should've stayed away from this school. Carter wasn't the monster under your bed. No, he was the one living inside your head, making you question your sanity.

I nodded quickly, more than a few times. He leaned closer, but just as he did, his phone rang. He pulled the key and his phone from his pocket, his expression unreadable.

"Get out," he said, handing me the key. "I'll see you soon."

I grabbed it without hesitation and bolted for the door. As I reached the threshold, I noticed he hadn't answered his phone. He was waiting for me to leave first. I glanced back at him, meeting his chilling gaze.

I hated how impossible it was to ignore his beauty.

"Before you go," he said, his voice a low warning, "be careful who you trust, Elle. The devil was once an angel."
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