Page 415 of Ruthless Court

For the first time, the anger slips.

Something raw sits beneath it.

“You think he’s serious about you?”

“Yes.”

No hesitation.

That surprises both of us.

I keep going before fear can revise the answer.

“And I’m serious about him.”

Her face closes.

“Good luck.”

I pick up Kane’s hoodie where it slipped.

“Thanks.”

She walks away.

I stand alone beside the laundry room for several seconds.

My hands are shaking.

Still, I smile.

Because I meant it.

* * *

My second job begins by accident.

Technically.

The boys need academic tutors.

Technically.

Eli is taking introductory anthropology next semester.

Technically.

So are Noah, Jalen, and two other members of the team.

This is not suspicious at all.

“You all enrolled in anthropology?” I ask.

Eli looks innocent.

“Yes.”

“Together.”