Empire High Betrayal (Empire High #3) - Ivy Smoak Page 0,82

so much. There’s nothing wrong with holding on to something that makes you smile.”

I swallowed hard. I knew that. But it felt good to hear it out loud. “And I feel awful talking about our relationship in front of you because of what Cupcake did…”

“I’m okay,” Kennedy said. “And I never want you to keep something from me because of what he did. That’s just letting him take more away from me. I always want you to be able to tell me everything. So spill it. Tell me about your first time.”

I filled her in on the details. And despite what she said about being okay, I saw the hurt in her eyes. I’d seen glimpses of it ever since she told me what had happened with Cupcake. Mostly she did seem okay. But I knew she was putting on a brave face.

I remembered that time that Miller asked if I wanted for him to “take care” of Cupcake for me. I pressed my lips together. I’d talked to my dad a few times on the phone, but I hadn’t gotten the courage to flat out ask him if he was a mobster. Because honestly, I was pretty sure I already knew the truth. “You know…if you really want revenge. I can probably make something happen.”

“What do you mean?”

“This is going to sound really strange. But I’m pretty sure my dad’s a mobster. And if I told him that Cupcake messed with you…he’d…rough him up a little. Or something. Actually I don’t even know if I need to tell my dad. I think I could just ask Miller or Donnelley to do it.”

She opened her mouth and closed it again. “There’s a lot to unpack there.”

I laughed.

“Wow, it all makes sense now,” she said.

“What does?”

“Why my mom couldn’t get the judge to honor Uncle Jim’s will. There was no logical reason why you shouldn’t have been living with us. I mean, we thought something sketchy was going on. But your dad really must have everyone in his pocket. And the way he always gets everything he wants. Oh and all those security guards.” She shook her head. “He’s a freaking mobster!”

“Oh God. He really is, isn’t he?”

“Is he coming tonight?” asked Kennedy. “I bet he’s planning on dressing like himself and he’s going to look just like Al Pacino from The Godfather.”

Yeah. There really wasn’t any denying it. “He’s not coming. But you’re right. I definitely see the similarities now.”

“Your life is surreal. How does Matt feel about marrying a mobster’s daughter?”

I shook my head. “I was a little worried at first. Matt’s made it pretty clear since we’ve met that he thinks the Pruitts are toxic. And I know he’s excited for me to not have the last name Pruitt anymore. But we fell for each other before I knew who my dad was. It doesn’t really change anything. Matt and I have been through so much already…nothing is going to break us.”

Kennedy smiled. “You two are perfect together. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here debating whether or not I should snap my fingers and off Cupcake.”

I laughed.

“I’m just kidding. I’m not crazy. I don’t want any mobsters attacking Cupcake. I don’t need revenge. That’s just not me.” She laughed. “I can’t even imagine doing something like that. I’m not Isabella.”

For some reason, her words made my stomach churn. That’s what Matt wanted. A girl who didn’t need revenge. And I was trying to be that for him. But sometimes, all I wanted to do was text Rob and tell him that the prank was back on. Just thinking about when Isabella made fun of my uncle and me made my blood boil. And the pictures of me in my underwear all over school. Or when she poured milk down the front of me. There was also the time she literally put a gun to my head. Or…God. I took a deep breath. The list was endless. And I needed to let it go. I’m not like Isabella. I’m a Sanders, not a Pruitt. I don’t need revenge.

“Speaking of the devil herself, is Isabella actually coming tonight?” asked Kennedy. “I can’t imagine what on earth would possess Isabella to think that was a good idea.”

“I have no idea. But knowing my luck…she’ll be here. Trying to flirt with Matt. Or doing something else terrible.”

“She can’t do anything terrible to you here. You have the Pruitts’ security and the Caldwells’ security. If she makes one mean peep about you, they’ll kick her