Pretty Little Lies by Ivy Thorn

Author:Ivy Thorn [Thorn, Ivy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: PNK Publishing
Published: 2022-10-29T16:00:00+00:00

20

ANYA

As I step through the doors of my first class on Monday, I’m intensely aware of how sore I am from my time with Nicolo this weekend. My body isn’t used to the rough handling, and the space between my thighs aches even as I walk. Anxiety kept me up most of the weekend, too, so my eyes feel puffy, my lids tired as I make my way stiffly to the cubbies in the dance studio to stash my bag and change my shoes.

Stress knots my stomach as I think about Nicolo and how he used me so thoroughly this weekend. I haven’t told a single soul about our deal. I couldn’t look my aunt in the eye if I did–she thinks I’ve found a temporary part-time job–and I don’t want to risk Nicolo hurting my friends by talking to them. Still, the burden of what’s happened makes my limbs heavy, and my breathing feel labored. Forcing Nicolo from my mind despite the constant reminder of him in my sore body, I attempt to put on a more cheerful expression as I straighten from putting on my dance shoes.

Paige, Whitney, and Logan are already stretching when I step onto the black mats to join them, and when I catch sight of myself in the mirrors lining the wall, I realize I look as ragged as I feel. My typically tidy hair has curls already falling loose from my braid, and purple bags color the skin beneath my eyes, making me look gaunt.

“Morning,” I say, turning my attention from the pathetic image to give my friends a weak smile. I sink onto the mats to stretch with them.

Their open, happy expressions shift as soon as I join their circle, and the silence that follows is awkward as their eyes follow me down to the floor. Paige’s eyes narrow, and Logan’s lips purse in unmistakable expressions of contempt.

“Morning,” Whitney says, finally breaking the tension.

I meet her eyes, grateful that she’s willing to talk to me at least. A hint of concern flickers in her gaze. The silence resumes as I stretch my legs, spreading them wide and leaning forward to rest my elbows on the mats in the same way as Whitney.

“How was everyone’s weekend?” I ask in the hopes that we can move past whatever has them upset. I wonder if they spoke to Fin and held me responsible for his broken arm.

I know Fin does. Though he told me he doesn’t blame me for what Nicolo did when I visited Fin in the hospital, he hasn’t returned any of my calls or texts since. I can’t say I blame him. It is my fault, even if I didn’t intend for Fin to suffer the brunt of my punishment. And I can’t let that happen again.

“I went to see Fin this weekend,” Logan says coldly, confirming my suspicions.

“How is he?” I ask tentatively.

“He’s out of the hospital, at least. But he won’t be back to class for a while.”

The resentment in Logan’s eyes cuts like a barb, and I swallow back tears as I nod.

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