Playing with Fire by Emily Blake Read Free Book Online Page A

heard her. “Speaking of Auntie Helen, I wanted to tell you I think it’s just horrible who’s responsible for her situation. I was shocked when I found out who turned her in. You must be furious.”
    Finally Alison flinched. “What are you talking about?” she asked quietly.
    Kelly savored the moment—and the expression on Alison’s face. “Oh, you don’t know?” Kelly asked with a dazzling smile. She waited exactly five more seconds, then leaned forward conspiratorially and spoke just three more words: “Her Royal Highness.”

Chapter Twelve
    Chad closed his locker with a slam and spun around. Life was good. Aside from the nagging guilt he had about ditching Alison, he was flying high. Kelly Reeves was most definitely the hottest and richest girl at school—a fine catch for anybody, but especially Chad, who needed to stay on top. It wasn’t easy to keep his background and free ride under wraps, but with Kelly as his girl-friend, nobody would question him. Of course, the same could be said of dating Alison. But Alison wasn’t as powerful as Kelly. Kelly really knew how to work the system. Any system.
    Chad looked around the crowded hallway for Kelly but didn’t see her. She seemed to come andgo like the tide. That was okay with him. He liked his freedom, or what was left of it. Slinging his pack over his shoulder, Chad headed off to class. Mr. Beekler hated it when his students were late.
    The only problem with Kelly was how he was going to afford her. Kelly was always buying stuff, always eating out. She would probably expect Chad to start coming along and laying down cash. Alison wasn’t so much of a spender, he realized. That was one good thing about her.
    Actually, there were lots of good things about Alison. She was smart, beautiful, funny, sweet…He still couldn’t believe that she’d burned him. He’d had no idea that she was planning to dump him. He hadn’t even believed it when Kelly first told him. But Kelly insisted it was true, and then Alison didn’t call him when her mom got arrested…or take his call the next day. And she acted so weird at the party—what was up with that? Chad had been waiting to comfort her, but she’d barely said hello to him before taking off. He’d felt totally stupid.
    Chad shook his head as he rounded a corner. He had to get over it. He was with Kelly. And whether he still cared about her or not, Alisonwas like poison now. She’d been exiled. Best to stop thinking about her completely.
    Checking the clock on his cell phone, Chad looked up just in time to stop himself from walking right into the very person he’d just vowed to avoid—Alison. His shoes squeaked to a halt on the tile floor.
    â€œHey,” he said, trying to sound casual. Inside he was freaking. This was so awkward. He hoped nobody would see them together.
    â€œHey,” Alison said, looking up at him with her big blue eyes. She looked like she’d been crying, or trying really hard not to. And her voice was soft, vulnerable. He’d never heard her like that before.
    Chad’s heart thudded in his chest. He had to stop himself from putting his arms around her. For some reason, hugging her seemed like the thing to do. The thing he wanted to do. Only he couldn’t, of course. He shouldn’t even be talking to her. But he couldn’t just stand there…
    Chad looked around. They were basically alone. “Listen, I’m really sorry about—”
    â€œThere you are, Chad,” Kelly said smoothly as she glided up to them out of nowhere. Chadimmediately stiffened and took a step back from Alison. He didn’t want to make Kelly mad. A ticked-off Kelly was a scary thing. But if she was upset she didn’t show it.
    â€œI see you’re doing your charity work again,” she drawled. “But I’m afraid this cause is hopeless.” Without even looking at