Page 179 of The Ruthless Note

My peers give me envious glances.

Sol slants me that heavy look that makes me wonder if he ran over someone’s cat lately.

Everyone spills out.

It’s just me and Jarod left.

“Hey, Cadence.” The rockstar leans against the teacher’s desk and crosses his long legs at the ankles. “I noticed my boys weren’t in attendance today.” He makes a circular motion with his fingers. “Are they always like that?”

I squeeze the strap of my bag.

“Don’t feel uncomfortable.” Jarod sees my reaction and dips his head, causing his wavy locks to tumble into his eyes. “I’m just trying to get a lay of the land.”

“I don’t really pay attention to those guys,” I answer vaguely.

Why am I protecting Dutch and not admitting he attends when he wants to? I have no idea. But ratting him out to his dad doesn’t feel like the right play here.

Jarod folds his arms over his massive chest. The ink on his forearms bend and contract along with his muscles.

“Mulliez didn’t tell me the details when he asked me to vouch for you. He only said something about there not being enough scholarship spots and that if anyone was going home, it shouldn’t be a talent like you.”

I blush. “Mr. Mulliez is being generous.”

“Nah.” Jarod tilts his head back as if he’s recalling a memory. “Mulliez never backs anyone he doesn’t believe in. Trust me.” His eyes return to mine. “You’re graduating next spring, right? What do you plan to do after?”

I dig my fingers into my bag. A cold sweat breaks out thanks to the dreaded ‘what are your plans for the future’ question. I think of my mother and the warning she gave me.

“I don’t really have any plans.”

“If you’re not sure yet, I have a proposal for you.” Jarod leans forward.

I lean back, my pulse skittering.

“I’d like to offer you a full ride scholarship to my university alma mater. You can study music and get your degree in something you love.” He straightens up. “In exchange, I want you to work for me.”

“Work for you? Doing what?”

He motions me closer.

I freeze, my heart pounding.

He makes the ‘come forward’ motion again.

I take a hesitant step. And then another.

Jarod whispers, “I’d like you to spy on my son.”

* * *

Jinx: Can Two Kings Exist In One Kingdom?

Whether it’s an early morning rendezvous or an after-class private meeting, it looks like New Girl is in high demand with Redwood’s royal family.

The OG Bad Boy himself came back to Redwood in all his seasoned rockstar glory. Inquiring minds want to know. What did New Girl and her fairy god-father have to discuss all by their lonesome after class? Does it have anything to do with why the hunky Solar System, the mysterious new return to Redwood Prep, seemed so defeated today?

There’s one thing you can count on. I’ll be sure to find out.

Until the next post, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.

- Jinx

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