Wicked Liars (Windsor Academy 1)

“Sure, sure. Just give me a call and we’ll set something up.”

I crinkle my brows. “Um... can we just set something up now since I have you on the phone?”

“No can do. Real busy here. We’ll talk later.”

“Wait!” I want to scream when the call disconnects.

I consider calling back, but I know Jerome would just ignore it. I never understood how he and my mom got together in the first place. Sure, he’s a quintessential tall, dark, and handsome man, but he’s a drunk and a jerk. Mom swore he was sober when they met and quite charming. Supposedly, he didn’t start drinking heavily until she was pregnant. Personally, I think he was just better at hiding it before then.

Now that I think about it,

I wonder what the hell she saw in my sperm donor. So far, I haven’t seen any redeeming qualities. Mom once told me she worked for him, but she wouldn’t divulge anything else, afraid to give me any information that would reveal his identity. I was shocked when I learned his name was added to my birth certificate.

My social worker, Davina, made a solid point—if my mom truly didn’t want me to find him, why would she do that? Things just aren’t adding up. I need to sit down with Charles and get his side of the story. It’s probably best if I give him some time to cool off. Maybe by the time Peyton’s nose is better, he’ll be more willing to talk to me about it. I have to at least try. It’s not like I can get answers from the grave.

CHAPTER TEN

JAZZ

The rest of the week is a complete clusterfuck. It seems as if the entire school has turned on me besides Ainsley. I’ve been called every derogatory name under the sun by people I’ve never met, had countless others try to trip me, shoulder check me, or shoot spitballs into my hair. The only time someone doesn’t pick on me, is during lunch. The fact that Headmaster Davis is constantly making rounds through the dining room since the fight probably has something to do with that.

By the time Friday rolls around, I can’t wait for the final bell so I can have a break from this hellhole. I’m actually looking forward to what the weekend has in store. I consider checking out the pool since I practically have that giant house to myself. Charles went away on business again and Madeline and Peyton have gone to a spa in San Francisco, or whatever that’s code for. At home, it’s just me and the staff who are pretty much invisible unless you need something from them. Jerome still won’t return my calls, but I’m going to keep trying until he does. Worst case scenario, I’ll call our social worker and see if I can convince her to give me Belle’s address.

Considering how cold people have been to me, I’m stunned when Bentley comes up to my locker right before first period and swings his arm around me. “Jazzy Jazz, how are you doing this fine morning?”

I try pulling away, but he grips my shoulder, holding me in place. “Get off me.”

He leans down and whispers, “Aw, c’mon baby, don’t be like that. You let Kingston get up in that pretty pussy. Don’t you think I should have a taste?”

Wait... what?

I rear back and I’m sure my confusion is evident. “What are you talking about?”

He presses his free hand over his heart. “Oh, you thought he’d keep that to himself? Like maybe it meant something to him? That’s adorable.”

I scoff. “Fuck off.”

Bentley laughs. “Remember what I said about you talking dirty? It makes me hard.”

I give him the stink-eye. “Anything with tits makes you hard.”

He mock shivers. “Not true. I can think of quite a few women in my life who have the opposite effect. Take Ms. Henderson, for example. Major boner killer.”

I snort. Ms. Henderson has blueish gray hair, leather skin, and is approximately one-hundred-and-eighty years old. I continue walking down the hall, his heavy arm weighing me down. I don’t miss the dirty looks pretty much every girl in the vicinity is giving me. I stop when we get to my first class.

“Bentley, I need to get to class.”

Right when I think he’s going to let me go, he pulls me into him instead. My nose is smashed against his chest as he envelops me in a bear hug. I’m not proud to admit it, but I make no attempt to retreat. Everyone can use a hug sometimes, and I’m definitely overdue.

He kisses me on the cheek. “See you later, babe.”

I place my hand over the spot his lips just touched as I watch him walk away. I must’ve been in a daze because I don’t notice anyone approaching me until I’m clipped in the shoulder.

“Move out of the way, bitch,” Whitney sneers as she walks past me to take her seat.

Great. Now another one of the Queen Bs has a problem with me. I take my seat and look straight ahead, waiting for class to begin. I can feel people staring, but I ignore them. Hell, I’m actually getting used to it by now, as sad as that is.

My head turns when someone kicks my chair.