Page 21 of Pretty Vengeance

Best for me to get right to it. “I got a text from Clare Duffy a little while ago. She wanted to know who I’d talked to about the club. I’ve only talked to you and Ash, and Ash hasn’t even met Clare.”

Jamie glances at me. I haven’t taken him up on his invitation to eat. My eyes drop to where he’s set a taco and some chips onto a plate. He pushes it over to me with a single terse word. “And?”

My fingers rub the muscles of my neck, and I look up at him through my lashes as my heart thuds in my chest. This is so freaking awkward. “Another Briar Club member tagged some people in a post that included you and Clare. By a swimming pool? I didn’t realize you were on the rowing team.”

I wonder where Jamie falls on the roster. Even though my so-called brother Brad made the team, according to my dad, Brad doesn’t think he’s likely to get into the top Varsity Eight boat or even the second.

Since Jamie doesn’t volunteer to make small talk about his being an athlete, I exhale a small sigh. Leaning forward, I dip a chip into avocado salsa. “Did you say something to Clare about what I said this morning?”

“No.” He takes a bite of a taco, chews and swallows. “But I asked about you. Your prospects for getting in.”

My nerves are live wires. “What did she say?”

“She wouldn’t answer.” He flips his hand over in a “there you go” gesture. “Which is an answer in itself.”

The chip cracks from the pressure of my fingers and falls onto my plate. I set the rest down, and after wiping my hands on a napkin, I sit back and push the plate away.

My silence drags on. He eats two tacos and a handful of chips with queso.

Blowing out a breath, I feel myself deflating. This is so fucking unfair. With my pedigree on paper—Allendale last name, Briar Club legacy, graduating with honors from an elite prep school—I should have had no problem getting accepted.

If Mom were still alive, this wouldn’t be happening. She was too influential for Clare to get away with this bullshit. I consider talking to Dad, but I know he couldn’t really help. And it would mean admitting there’s a chance I might not make the cut. That would just add stress to us both, since getting into the Briar Club is part of our strategy for winning over his family about my continued existence as an Allendale.

Beyond Dad, there’s Brad, my so-called brother. He knows plenty of people, but he wouldn’t lift a finger to help me. He wants me to fail. In fact, I think he wants my failure more than his success. And as a legitimate Allendale, that says something.

“Why did you mention me?” My frustration leaks into my tone. “You made things worse.”

Jamie’s jaw sets. “I was curious about whether you were right about her.”

“I hope your curiosity doesn’t cost me the most important thing in my life.” I huff out a sigh. “What else was said—about me?”

“The most important thing in your life?Seriously?”

He thinks I’m being melodramatic. There’s no point disavowing him of his beliefs. When I don’t answer, Jamie leans back and crosses his arms over his chest. His shoulders flex, and I can’t keep from noticing again what a great body he has.

“What do you want from me, Cranberry Sauce?”

I stiffen. That’s a good question. The answer is obvious. “Nothing, I guess.” Sliding my butt off the tall chair, I stand next to the island. “When I told you this morning that Clare dropped me because you flirted with me, the last thing I thought you’d do was double-down by asking her about my club candidacy.”

He leans back, studying me the entire time. “Again I ask,what do you want? My help?Because that would cost you.” The words are like a knife in my kidney.

“I don’t have any money.”

“If you did, I wouldn’t take it. You have something better than money.”

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. Is he seriously propositioning me right now? After pissing Clare off even more? “I have to get into the Briar Club. That’s the kind of help I need.”

“Right, I know.” The words roll off his tongue because of his accent. For some reason, goosebumps break out over my arms. “Ground rules first. You’re friends with my cousin who couldn’t know about our arrangement.”

My brows furrow, and I cock my head in confusion. “What arrangement?”

“As I’vejustbeen saying, if I agree to get you what you want, I will want something in return.”

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Growing up in the Allendale household means I know all about exchanging favors. “I could keep an arrangement secret if?—”

He points at me. “Will you swear to it?”

“AsIwas just saying,yes.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I tip my chin up defiantly. “But you’re assuming I believe there’s something you could do to actually help me. Other than Clare Duffy, who do you know in the club? Because a guy’s opinion won’t have much weight. The Briar Club is run by women.”