Stay(47)

“Adeline!” he whispered. “Stop! You’re going to get yourself hurt!”

I continued to struggle. The back of my pants felt wet already and snow found its way down the neckline of the jacket. I pushed against Jackson, realizing for the first time just how strong he was.

“Addie!” Phoebe yelled. “Stop!”

My body went still when I realized I was putting her in danger as well as myself. Jackson took advantage of it and scooped me up with ease. He hurried back into the shed and pushed the door shut. He gently set me down and brushed snow out of my hair. I jerked away from his touch.

“What the hell was that?” Rochelle spat and reached out, hitting my shoulder with her fingertips. “You want to get us all in trouble?”

“If trouble gets us out of here, then yes,” I said slowly through clenched teeth.

“You look scary,” Lily told me.

I moved my glare to her and softened my expression. I wasn’t mad at Lily but I wasn’t sure she could make the distinction. “I want to go home,” I reminded her.

“You can’t go home, dipshit!” Rochelle said. “We went over this, remember?”

“Fine,” I spat just to shut her up. “I want out of here. I want to get us all out of here.”

“Whatever,” she replied and flicked her hand in my face. “If you’re so high and mighty, make sure you tell Nate that you were the one who threw that snowball so only your ass gets beat.”

I looked at Rochelle and nodded. Melted snow dripped down my back, making me uncomfortably cold. I took off the jacket and wiped away what I could. I moved closer to the space heater and turned around, wanting to dry the wet spot on my butt before the dampness sank into my bones and caused me to get sick.

No one dared to speak, let alone move, until the minivan disappeared down the driveway about five hours later. I was cold, stiff, and still angry, but I was also sad, tired, and scared. Very scared. I knew Nate would be beyond pissed, and part of me regretted throwing the snowball at the house.

Jackson walked into the house first. Nate and Zane were waiting for us in the kitchen. Jackson stepped to the side and stole a glance behind him. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a tiny nod. I wasn’t sure what he was trying to tell me. Was he reminding me what I was in for?

Nate held his left out in front of him and removed a gold watch. He handed it to Zane and then rolled up the sleeves of his light blue button-up shirt.

“Who is the fucking idiot who hit the side of the house?” he began, the calmness that he usually carried was gone. The vein in his head was already prominent and pulsating. He eyed each and every one of us. My heart began beating faster and faster. Nate’s hands moved to his waist and he unbuckled his belt.#p#分页标题#e#

Oh, God, not again. My stomach protested in fear, grumbling and churning. My cheeks grew red and sweat itched under my arms. I tried to open my mouth and failed.

“Oh, so none of you know what the hell happened out there?” Nate went on. “Very well,” he said and whipped his belt through the loops in his pants. He folded it over and snapped it. The cracking of the leather echoed throughout the house. “You can all be equally punished.”

There was no way I could let the others get punished because of me. I took a deep breath, ready to confess. But Jackson beat me to it.

“I did it,” he said.





CHAPTER TWENTY





“YOU?” NATE ASKED, disbelief in his voice.

“Yes, me.” Jackson looked Nate right in the eye.

“Why?” Nate leaned forward and slightly narrowed his eyes.

Jackson’s cheeks reddened. “I was knocking down icicles. I was bored.” He shrugged.

“Well,” Nate said, his unnerving calmness back. “That boredom cost you.” He flicked his eyes over us. “I want this kitchen clean by the time I’m done,” he ordered. “Come with me,” he told Jackson.

I could feel my pulse bounding through every vein. A sick cold feeling washed over me as I watched Jackson slowly walk out of the room. Whatever they were going to do to him was going to be horrible.

Zane pulled out a chair in the breakfast nook and sat at the table. He scooted a plateful of snickerdoodles in front of him and stuffed two in his mouth. Despite his full mouth, he grinned, and I knew he was gloating in his ability to eat while we had to clean.

I turned to Phoebe, my expression pleading. She quickly shook her head. Lily’s blue eyes conveyed the same don’t-even-think-about-it stare. Rochelle tipped her head, looking at the spot Jackson had been standing in. She looked utterly perplexed, as is she couldn’t understand why he took the blame.