Page 705 of Filthy Elites

“I don’t think he has any money. His parents’ assets were frozen, so I’m assuming his were too. He could use someone on his side, but he won’t ask, and he wouldn’t want anyone to know about it either.”

Gwen studied Adrian. He looked different. Somehow less polished, but that just made him more appealing. More tortured bad boy and less preppy jerk.

“I heard him mention he was going for a run. It’s a nice day for it.”

Gwen nodded. “Yeah, it is.”

Maggie left Gwen standing there.

Kelsey frowned as she watched Maggie leave. “What was that all about?”

Gwen was deep in thought, but she knew what she was going to do. “Uh, nothing really. She wanted my help with a project.”

“Anything I can help with?”

“I might need some help later.” Gwen gave her a small smile. “I think I’ll go for a run.”

SIXTEEN

Secret’s Out

Adrian tookoff toward the woods next to the campus to the path that circled a lake. The fresh air, cool breeze, and quiet sounds of the woods were instantly therapeutic. His feet slapped against the gravel and dirt in a rhythmic pattern that began to pull the stress and worry from his body.

Adrian was beginning to enjoy the solitude until he heard a jogger coming up behind him. It was a well-used path, but he had hoped to have it to himself for a while. Hopefully the person invading his peace would move along quickly.

“Hey.”

Adrian glanced over, surprised to see the new arrival was Gwen Mason. “Hi.”

“Want some company?”

He didn’t, but he wouldn’t tell her that. He owed her much more than he could ever repay, so if she wanted to run with him, he wouldn’t say no. “Sure.”

Gwen laughed. “Not very convincing there, Colton.”

He gave her a small laugh. “Was I supposed to convince you?”

Gwen moved next to him and was surprised that he slowed just a bit so she could match his strides. “I’m going to miss this when it gets colder.”

Adrian glanced over at her. “You don’t jog in the winter?”

Gwen giggled. “I hate being cold.”

“Aww. Tough girl Gwen Mason won’t run if it’s not warm enough out?”

She rolled her eyes. “Now you sound like Drew.”

Adrian grunted.

“He told me that you two used to be friends when you were little.”

Adrian’s eyebrows shot up. “He told you that?”

“Yeah. He also told me that you started to be a dick to him in high school.”

Adrian didn’t answer.

“What changed? Why didn’t you like him anymore?”

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