Of course I don’t.
“It is a concern,” Jared’s dad rumbles, frowning.
I can see Jared staring at me out of the corner of my eye, but I keep my focus on eating my Froot Loops, because I know he’s going to be pissed that I went on a killing spree without him again.
It’s not long before the doorbell rings, Cynthia inviting herself inside to see me, my bag and uniform hanging from her arm. She looks a little annoyed, but she doesn’t say anything, just hands me my things and politely tells me to come to her office at lunchtime.
Great.
I dash down the hall to Jared’s room to get dressed while Jared’s parents are busy seeing her back out, and I start getting changed, trying to ignore Jared’s glare as he closes us in.
“Really? Last night? You did that before you came here?”
I shrug, tugging off my cropped t-shirt in the hopes that the sight of my bra might distract him.
It does for like five seconds.
“Why didn’t you ask me to drive you?”
I shrug, focusing on getting changed.
“Damn it, Elodie!”
My eyes snap up to his, and he grins.
“That got your fucking attention.”
I flip him off.
“Answer my question. Why didn’t you ask me to drive you?”
Sighing, I take my phone out and tap out a response. I can see by the expression on Jared’s face that he’s disappointed I’m not speaking the words aloud, but just because I’ve shared my voice with him doesn’t mean it changes who I am. I’m just not ready to be a vocal person.
Holding my phone up, he reads my words.
‘I don’t want you involved.’
He chuckles. “It’s a bit late for that.”
I shake my head, and Jared nods his.
“Yeah, itistoo late for that. I killed a man, on purpose, Dee. To save you. And I’ll fucking do it again if it means you are safe.”
Sighing, I tap out another response and show him.
‘I’ve made a new deal with Griffin. You don’t have to work for him anymore.’
Jared shrugs. “Doesn’t matter. If you’re involved, then I’m involved. It’s as simple as that. Besides, I know the Marx crew are criminals, but at least they have morals. Some of the things they are working towards are things I can get behind.”
I shake my head at him, and he grins, stepping up to me.
“No more jobs without me. Let me help you. Let me spend every last minute we can find together.”
His blue eyes dance between mine, and I feel the sincerity in his tone. He just wants more time. Just like I do.
I give in, letting him win this argument, and we come together for a heavy petting session before we drag ourselves apart and finish getting ready for school.
Jared drives us, and we walk in hand in hand, prying eyes watching us as we make our way to our lockers and classes.