Page 147 of The Ruthless Note

“It’s a good start, but it won’t stop Cadence from hating him.”

Finn has a point. Getting Brahms to sleep with me might be easier than getting her to forgive me.

But when I want something, I get it. No questions asked.

And the truth is—I want her.

Not just her body.

Everything.

“Well, at least we solvedyourproblem.” Finn juts his chin at Zane. “What about yours?”

“I don't have a problem. Not one I can solve anyway.”

Finn and I stare at each other. Neither of us believes a dumb word Zane’s saying, but it’s not like I can judge.

Zane clears his throat and tries to put me in the hot seat. “So you think what you’re feeling for Brahms is love?”

I shrug. I can’t put a name to what I’m feeling. I just know I don't want to lose her to anyone, not even Sol.

She’s the first girl who’s been able to drive me crazy just by being herself. I need more of her. That much I can admit now.

Unfortunately, accepting my interest in Brahms is the easy part. Convincing her to forget that I almost got her kicked out of Redwood? That’s going to take much more than a pep talk.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

DUTCH

The next morning, I get up much earlier than the sun and swing by a florist shop on the way to Redwood Prep.

I step past barrels of flowers, totally lost.

Did I ever think I’d be the guy traipsing through a flower shop, agonizing over a bouquet?

Hell no.

But here I freaking am. I’m going to take my brother’s advice and try to see if I can win Cadence over with something other than sex and threats.

The florist sees me wandering about with bug eyes. “Need some help?”

“Uh, yeah.” I clear my throat. “I’m looking for flowers.”

“I assumed so.” She laughs gently.

I rub the back of my neck. My cheeks grow hot.

“First time?”

“Yeah.”

“How about we start with what you want these flowers to say?”

Let’s try: sorry I spent the past few months making every waking minute of your life pure hell.

“An apology,” I say simply.

She smiles. “Did you forget her birthday?”