Page 73 of Cruel Academy (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 2)

Haley takes a steadying breath and pulls away. “A lot. Thousands. More than I can afford to pay for. John won’t give me enough time to save up, and my parents won’t let me have a job while I’m still in school. Do you think the bank gives out loans for this type of thing? Because that’s what I need. I’m good for the money, just not right now.”

I weigh the options for a second…

Before the pieces begin to click into place.

Haley must notice the change in my expression because she frowns. “What’s wrong?”

“Is that what you want me for?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Are you doing all of this in hopes I’ll give you money?” The question comes out biting as the certainty that I’m right begins to sink in.

She’s using me.

Not just for the lessons.

She is exactly what Bumper called her: a fuckinggold digger.

Haley’s eyes go wide. “No, Caleb. No. That isn’t it. I mean, I briefly considered blackmailing you for money instead of your training expertise, but it felt too icky, so—”

“So, you decided to try and seduce me into giving you the money instead?” I lace my fingers behind my head and pace away from her. “You thought that you’d spend time with me and then fuck the money out of me?”

This whole thing was fucked from the start.

And now, it’s a hundred times worse.

This bitch. This lying, manipulative bitch.

I’ve been too nice to her.

Haley gasps, and I spin around to face her. Her cheeks are red and blotchy with embarrassment. “Excuse me, butyouare the one who kissedme. I didn’t try to seduce you at all. You did that. Besides, I have more respect than that. I’m no one’s prostitute, you asshole.”

“Oh, I’m the asshole?” I clench my fist. “You’re the one who played the innocent victim while having a secret plot this entire time. God, I can’t believe I thought you were so naïve.”

“What gave you the impression I was innocent?”

My blood is boiling under my skin, and my head is too clouded with anger and embarrassment to think straight.

“I also had the impression you were smart, but I guess I was wrong about that, too,” I snap. “Because you picked the wrong Golden Boy to fuck. If you wanted money, you should have gone to J.C. He’s the easiest lay, anyway.”

Her brows pinch together, forming a tense line across her forehead. “What are you talking about?”

I shouldn’t tell her. I know that. The vengeful, reptilian part of my brain wants to rub Haley’s failure in her face.

She wants money?

Tough shit! Join the fucking club.

“I’m broke,” I say, throwing my arms wide like I’m a wrestler looking to get the crowd riled up. “Dirt poor. You asked why I fight, and I said it’s for fun, but it’s because I need the money.”

Haley’s face falls flat, her lips parting as she absorbs what I’m saying. “That’s why you didn’t want your friends to know about the fights?”

I cross my arms over my chest, feeling cocky despite my humbling confession. “Sorry to ruin your little plan.”

Haley groans. “Would you shut up about that? My plan was never to take your money, asshole.”

“You already used that insult.”

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