I can fix this.

He takes off for class, looking disheveled and nervous. So un-Kingston-like, and it fucking kills me.

I will fix this.

31. Kingston

THIRTY-ONE

KINGSTON

I feel like shit. I can’t believe I let us get caught. I just lose control around him, always wanting to touch him and be close to him. It was reckless. And now, I’ve put him in danger.

I’m so pissed off at myself and at Kennedy.

Before I leave, I catch her in the parking lot. She looks furious, her eyes narrowing on me as I approach. But I couldn’t give a fuck about her feelings. “We need to talk.”

“No, we don’t.” Her eyes dart around the parking lot, like she’s afraid anyone will see us together. “You disgust me,” she says quietly.

“Whatever. I just need to know you won’t say anything about Camden. Spread as many rumors around the school about me as you want, but keep him out of it.”

She glares at me. “Were you fucking him when we were together? Do I need to get tested?”

“You should get tested after a breakup, no matter what.” God knows I did. “But no. I never cheated on you.”

“I wouldn’t even care if it was with a girl . . . but Jesus.” Anger flares in my chest at her disgusting bigotry. I can’t believe I ever dated her, that her lips were on mine. Fuck, I feel tainted.

“Just don’t say a word about Camden. Do you hear me? Not. One. Word.” I was so reckless, and I let us get caught. I can’t let him get hurt. I can’t let his secret come out when he doesn’t want it to. Especially when he’s so close to getting out of here.

“I don’t want anyone to know about it, either. Trust me.” She says this with disgust, but I can also tell she’s serious, probably afraid of the scandal.

Fuck, maybe Camden is right about this town.

Shit, Camden. I need to go to him and talk about this. I’ve been so worried about him and feeling so damn guilty, I could barely function yesterday. I fell asleep in my clothes and slept through my alarm because I was so upset.

I never do that shit. I love waking up and coming to school. But I was terrified Kennedy would run her mouth, and I’d come to school and see Camden crumbling. I can’t stand the thought of him hurting.

I drive to his house and knock on the front door. Lucy answers, jumping into my arms, and I laugh because she’s so damn cute. “Where’s your brother?”