Bully King - J.A. Huss Page 0,80
near the beer fridge. Sophie just kind of stands there until Selina takes her hand and pulls her over into the crowd.
“OK, what is it, Michael?”
“Can we go inside?”
I sigh. “Jesus Christ. This is starting to sound like a whole lot of drama that I’m not really interested in dealing with tonight.”
“Five minutes, Cooper. I don’t think that’s asking too much.”
I scowl at him. “This better be important.”
“Well, you can tell me once we’re done talking.”
“Whatever.”
I lead him through the fold-out patio doors and into the great room, then keep going until we’re on the other side of the house in a small library. He follows me in and closes the door while I find a light and flick it on. “OK. Spill.”
“Do you know what Dante’s up to?”
“In reference to what, Michael?”
“Anything.”
I cock my head at him and try to control my building anger. “Either you have something to tell me, or you don’t.”
“I’ve heard rumors about him. And about Cadee too.”
“Cadee? What rumors?”
“About you and her. And that something went down a few years back.”
I control every physical reaction with precision. But inside, I’m starting to feel sick. “What did you hear?”
“Bits and pieces about an abortion. And… other things.”
I clench my jaw. “And how does Dante fit into this?”
“He’s the one spreading them. He said Cadee told him things. About you.”
“Bullshit.”
“Why is it bullshit? Because it’s not true? Or because it didn’t happen?”
Oh, I don’t know if I’ll be able to let this boy get away with that one. I might have to make an example of him. “Why do you care?”
“Because I think Dante’s dangerous. And the only reason I’m here in rush this summer is to get Sophie away safely.”
“Listen to me, Michael. And listen very fucking closely. Sophie isn’t getting away. Not this year, at least. She has four more years to figure out a real plan, just like the rest of us. But she will get through the rush. And she will be in Fang and Feather before fall semester starts. So if you really do love that girl, you will make her understand these facts. Do not lie and fill her head up with fantasies of running away. It’s not going to happen. As far as this Dante stuff goes, let me handle it. Whatever rumors he’s spreading about Cadee, they didn’t come from her and they didn’t come from me. And if the rumors are about us, then we’re the only ones who matter.”
Michael stares at me for a moment, then nods. He’s just about to turn away and I’m just about to let out a long breath of relief when he looks me in the eyes. “You should know… Lars knows too. He’s been asking around about it.”
“About what?” I snarl these words out.
“An abortion, I guess. You tell me. And maybe I don’t know what really happened between the four of you a few years back, but I do know that it involved the four of you, Cooper. So, you know, maybe it’s not just about you and Cadee. Maybe Lars should’ve had a say in things too.”
And then he turns and walks out.
The next thing I know I’m over at the bar cart pouring myself a drink of whatever my father keeps in the crystal decanter. I gulp it down, then pour another and take it over to the large, wingback chair near the window and sit, rolling Michael’s words around in my head. Trying to make sense of them.
Did he just threaten me?
If so, I will give mad props to Michael for not only having balls, but also wording that entire conversation so carefully.
He wants Sophie out.
I have a secret I’m hiding from everyone, including my two best friends, who probably should’ve been included in this little plan of mine three fucking years ago.
“What are you doing?”
I look up and see Cadee in the doorway. “Come here.”
“What?”
“Come here.”
She smirks at me. But she comes. I pull her into my lap and put my arms around her.
“What’s going on, Cooper? What did Michael say?”
“Did he leave?”
“No, he’s still here. Elexa and Ivan are playing a drinking game with Ax and Isabella.”
“Fuck.”
“Don’t worry. Lars is looking after Isabella.”
I glance up at her. “He is?”
“Yeah. It seems like Lars is always looking after somebody.”
“Yeah.”
“So… why are you sitting in here all by yourself?”
I sigh. “Michael came to…” I squint for a moment, choosing my words. “He came to threaten me, I think.”
“About what?”
“Sophie. He wants her out. I don’t have