Page 74 of Be My First

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Bode

She’s going to sneakout. I know it. She’s going to meet up with that creep. I didn’t agree with Eli trying to control her love life, but I have to step in here. He’s going to hurt her – maybe not physically, but definitely emotionally. The more I think about it - I wouldn’t put it past him to hurt her physically too.

“Did you have a nice time?” she asks as we’re walking home.

I grunt. I’m not sure how to handle this. Telling her to stay put is going to do nothing.

“You’re so grumpy tonight,” she says, shaking her head.

I dart my eyes over her direction and say, “I think you know why.”

“Lighten up, Bo,” she replies.

I don’t say anything else for the rest of the walk home. She gives me a little nod once we’re at the top of the staircase. “Night, Bo. See you in the morning.”

I watch her walk into her room and shut the door.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Juno

Istand on the balconyof my bedroom and look down. It’s notthatfar to the ground. I mean if I fall, I’ll probably break a bone or something, but I won’t die. I take a deep breath. This is my only way out. If I leave out the front door, my Secret Service detail is following me and probably alerting Bode too. Everyone thinks I’m in bed. They have no reason to suspect otherwise.