Page 113 of Brutal Kingdom

“Fine. Messenger me the disk and I’ll find a way to get it on Johnathan Lance’s computer.”

“You already have a way.”

This is the worst idea he’s ever had. “Nope. Not gonna happen. I refuse to bring him in on this.”

“Why? It’s the quickest way to get access.”

“He’s Bella’s fiancé. His arrangement means he has to be on her side.”

“He’s my best friend and he might be playing the dutiful fiancé in public, but I know inside he’s willing to do anything it takes to stop this marriage.”

“Because he wants to take back control of the school.”

“Because he’s trying to take back control of your heart.”

* * *

“Hey, Jordanna.”

I smile at Dixon, hoping he doesn’t notice it feels a little forced.

“You okay?” He asks. Yup, he notices.

“I am, but I have a huge favor to ask you.”

“Sure. Anything.”

“Don’t be so quick to agree. You haven’t heard what it is yet.”

“If you need a favor it must be important. And you’re coming to me, instead of going to Noel or Sterling or your new buddy Rocco. So yeah, whatever you need. I”ll help.”

I don’t deserve him as a friend. “Bella’s dad is having some kind of dinner party.”

“I heard something about that.”

“I was wondering if that’s something your parents usually go to.”

“It is.”

“And you?”

“I go when they drag me. But I’ve opted out of this one.”

Shit. I thought he might say that.

“Do you need me to tell them I’ve changed my mind?”

“Yes.” Nodding I rush out the rest. “And take me as your date.”

“Is this about the party or sticking it to Bella, because you know she won’t want you there?”

“Sticking it to Bella.” That’s mostly the truth, because I can’t tell him why I need to be there. I brace myself, waiting for his anger, since I’ve just announced I want to use his connections to go to a party.

He smiles, and says, “Awesome. I can’t wait to see her face when we walk in together.”

“Wait, you’re not mad?”

“You know how Bella is with everyone. We went to school together but we’ve never ran in the same circle of friends, no matter how much my parents wished we did. I was always an outcast. My showing up is gonna piss her off because I don’t meet the cool quota. With you on my arm, she’ll probably have a full melt down. I’m down for watching that happen, and it’ll be another chance for you to mingle with the elitist patriarchy.”

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