Chapter 70

When has that line ever lead to something good? Without a doubt, I know that whatever Zack's going to tell me, I'm not going to like it.

My eyes dart from him to Tristan and then to Creed as Zayd’s arms tighten around my waist, and he pulls me closer. It feels good, having him touch me like that. I use that as an anchor against the anxiety churning in my stomach.

“Marnye,” Zack begins again, closing his eyes. “I'm just gonna come out and say it. It's better if I tell you than they do.” He lifts his eyes again and looks right at me. “You know how I treated you in middle school, we don't have to relive that; we both know how horrible it was.” He glances away and then turns back to me again, but it looks like it's taking him a concentrated effort to hold my eyes. “Did you ever wonder why I did it?”

I can't say anything. My throat is too tight, my pulse is beating too fast, and I feel like I’m going to be sick.

“I made a bet.” Zack exhales sharply and then grits