#Chapter 34: After-Date Consequences

Quickly, I exited the car. Julian sighed, threw the car into park, and got out too. “Over here, Piper,” Nicholas said, motioning to the space beside him. Obediently, I went where he directed. Softly, he asked me, “Are you alright?” The question startled me a moment. I wasn’t sure why he cared. But I assuaged his concerns. “I’m not hurt.” Nicholas nodded at me, then rounded on Julian. His voice was thick with fury. “How could you do something like this? You broke all the rules. Do you not care at all that you’ve potentially endangered Piper’s candidacy for the games?” Julian rolled his eyes. “It was just a bit of fun, Nicholas.” “At her expense. You have nothing to lose. She could be punished for your little act of rebellion.” My stomach twisted uncomfortably. I hadn’t thought of the consequences like this. I’d just followed Julian. Was I truly at risk of being expelled? “It’s not that big of a deal. I doubt anyone noticed.” “Everyone noticed you zoom out of here fir