Page 61 of Filthy Elites

Nicola/Isabelle

The one-eighty changein Jason’s attitude is enough distraction for me to ignore the looming threat of Juan. I don’t know if he did it by design so I wouldn’t freak out and run away, or if he’s up to something. I’ll try my best not to be swept away by this other side of him, but it’s hard to keep my shields up when my heart beats faster every time he’s near.

“A penny for your thoughts.” He hugs me from behind and kisses my shoulder.

He spent the night in my room again, even though it’s against school policy. The rules of student conduct exist only to appease the parents and are rarely enforced. It was the same way in my previous school.

“I’m just thinking that I have to start getting ready soon.”

“Ready to go where?”

“I’ve made plans with Sage.”

“Are you going to tell me what those plans are?”

I roll over so I can see his face. “Why do you want to know?”

He holds my stare but remains silent for a moment. “I’ll feel better if I know where you’ll be.”

My heart skips a beat. How am I going to protect myself from him when he says things like that? “Because of Juan.”

His gaze hardens. “That’s one reason.”

“There’s more than one?” I raise an eyebrow. “Let’s hear the others, then.”

He grimaces and then turns onto his back to stare at the ceiling. “Don’t ask me to explain things I don’t understand myself.”

I lean on my forearm, resting my head against my fist. “Are you catching feelings, Jason Novak?”

My statement was meant as a tease, but he scowls and swings his legs off the side of the bed, getting up.

“I was joking.” I sit up.

“Whatever. I also have shit to do.”

I’ve never seen him get dressed so fast. I would be lying if I said his reaction didn’t hurt. He walks out without a word or second glance, banging the door hard. I’m left reeling without a clue what’s gotten into him.

Isn’t it obvious, Isabelle? You just got him to show his hand. His devoted boyfriend act was all a bunch of BS.

I’m glad that I managed to get him to reveal his true colors, even if it was by accident. But I’m disappointed that I was right all along.

Feeling less enthusiastic about my day, I jump out of bed and head for the shower. I’ll give myself permission to wallow in misery for a moment, but I’d better change my attitude by the time I’m ready to see Sage.

* * *

I meetSage in front of Dennis’s Diner, since I’m not familiar with all the stores in Triton Cove yet. She’s wearing a cute yellow sundress that makes her look younger than sixteen.

The conversation I had with Jason about Justice comes to the forefront of my mind. If Justice had good intentions toward her, he wouldn’t act sneakily. I have to do something. Maybe steering her toward a boy her age is the way to go, but I don’t know anyone that fits the bill, save for Luke’s friends, and I doubt he’d approve of them either.

“Hi, Sage. You look so pretty!” I greet her with a smile.

“Oh, thanks.” She blushes and glances at her dress. “Believe it or not, this was a gift from Luke.”

My jaw drops. “Wow, he has good taste.”

“Yeah.”

“So where do you want to go first?”

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