Free Poison Heart by S.B. Hayes Page A

look away. ‘I don’t dislike you, Genevieve, and I don’t hold grudges.’
    ‘Obviously, Katy, I’m not trying hard enough. When this is over you’ll detest me so much you’ll want to …’
    She left the rest unsaid. I gave my best benevolent smile, remembering Luke’s advice to stay calm. ‘We’re not the same. I don’t feel that way. If you must know,I feel sorry for you … all that hatred must eat you up inside.’
    She studied me with contempt and moved away, slinging her bag over one shoulder. ‘You’re wrong,’ she said easily. ‘It’s what keeps me alive and makes me strong.’
    On my way out I bumped right into Merlin. He did an about-turn, taking a few steps backwards and looking me up and down.
    ‘There’s something different about you.’
    ‘Is there?’ I teased. I didn’t have to look in a mirror, I could feel my skin shining and my hair bouncing with victory.
    ‘You look so amazing … no … I mean, you always look amazing, but today you look especially amazing. Your eyes are so … luminous.’
    He leaned forward and ran his fingers through my curls. ‘When the painting’s finished, I want it to reflect your face right now, this very second.’
    I grabbed his hand and pulled him into a door recess, not even caring if the college principal walked by and suspended us for inappropriate behaviour. My cheeks burned with his long hot kisses. How could I have even thought about Genevieve taking him away from me?
    ‘Katy, we’re leaving right now,’ he croaked. ‘We’ll sneak away together … go somewhere, anywhere …’
    ‘I can’t. I’ve already been seen by Miss Clegg.’
    ‘Tell her you’re ill.’
    ‘I can’t afford to miss any work.’
    ‘After college then.’
    ‘I promised Mum I’d come straight home.’
    He sighed with disappointment. ‘You always seem to be rushing somewhere or fretting about your mum.’
    I stood on tiptoe and and held his face between my hands. ‘We
will
be together … soon.’
    He closed his eyes. ‘Is that a promise?’
    ‘It’s a promise.’
    ‘Katy Rivers … you’re absolutely amazing,’ Merlin said, gluing his lips to mine.
    ‘You wouldn’t believe anything horrible about me?’ I panted, as we finally pulled apart.
    ‘Never. Why would I?’
    A sudden feeling of dread swept over me. ‘Someone might do or say things that’ll make me look really … bad.’
    ‘It wouldn’t alter what I think of you.’
    ‘Honest?’ I grinned.
    ‘Honest.’ He grinned back, kissing my nose.
    I sheepishly crept into my next class late, jealously guarding the memory of every touch and every word that had passed between us. He saw the real Katy. Nat and Hannah might waver, but Genevieve could never succeed in poisoning Merlin’s mind against me. I drifted off, replaying everything in my head, delicious prickles of excitement running through me. It didn’t last for long. I came down to earth with sudden terror, remembering my promise and realizing just what I’d agreed to. I needed some advice, and quickly.

CHAPTER
ELEVEN
     
    Hannah pushed open her bedroom door with one foot, her arms full, and threw everything on to the bed.
    ‘Chick-flick DVDs, popcorn, muffins, mags, smoothies, marshmallows, chocolate spread, nail varnish, hair tongs, make-up box … This is a great idea of yours, Katy.’
    Nat lay against the pillow reading. She burst open the packet of popcorn and crunched madly. ‘We haven’t had a girlie night in for ages.’
    Hannah picked up her hula hoop and began gyrating her hips wildly. Even just hanging around the house in a slouchy tracksuit without make-up, her hair scraped off her face, she still looked great. ‘What’s first, Katy? Movie or hairstyle? Who fancies a beehive?’
    ‘Just wanted a chat really,’ I mumbled. ‘About … things.’
    Nat immediately closed her magazine and shuffled towards me. ‘This is serious.’
    ‘No, no, it isn’t,’ I protested feebly. ‘But some things are a bit … personal and