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"Don’t do it"

There it was I’d meant it when I said I didn’t want hi from the way his shoulders slu to do it anyway

"You were beat up for it in high school," I added

"Come on" He jerked in his seat His hands fell to his lap, but he still didn’t look at me

"They threatened Claire," I reminded him

"That’s not fair" His eyes lifted to er up between us "That’s so not fair, Taylor It’s different now too I’ this time"

"You missed a pay his arms over his chest "Yeah, well, Claire toldblackain

I’d never told hi at et their money no matter what--from you or from someone else"

"What are you talking about?" His voice hitched now He was uncertain

"They said either you give theet it from my dad"

His ar about?"

"I never told you because you paid, but they were going to takeball landed in my throat Oh well What was new? "They calledto make my dad pay I mean, it was just a phone call, but--"

"Wh--" He choked The blood drained from his face I wasn’t the only pale one in the room now "You never--I didn’t know that"

"It didn’t happen" So I hadn’t told anyone

"Did Eric know?"

I snorted "No way He would’ve pissed his pants and run to the cops"

Jason quieted, tugging at one of his shirtsleeves He looked ridiculous It was a short-sleeved pink shirt --shave off a fewa tank top But he kept tugging at it For what? It wasn’t going to cover his hand

"Stop doing that" I pulled his hand away "You’re going to rip your shirt"