Wicked Liars (Windsor Academy 1)

I offer her a wry look. “How magnanimous of you.”

She shrugs. “I try.”

The five of us dig into our food. The guys and I grabbed steak and potatoes, Ainsley got a California roll, and Jazz selected the cheeseburger on an artisan bun with truffle fries. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about her—she doesn’t eat rabbit food like most chicks in this school. The girl has one of the tightest bodies I’ve ever seen—I have no idea where it all goes. She must run a lot.

“Jazz, what are you doing this afternoon?” Ainsley asks. “Wanna watch my rehearsal and we can grab a bite to eat after?”

She nods. “Sure.”

My twin is starring in her ballet studio’s production of Cinderella. Dancing is her life—she’s been taking classes four days a week for the last ten years or so. After our mom died, I think it started out as her way of coping, but it turned into something she actually loves. So much so, she wants to attend Juilliard and dance professionally after graduation. I personally don’t understand her fascination with it, but I’m glad she has something to focus on. Plus, it gets her out of the house a lot which is a good thing. I don’t want her around our father any more than she needs to be.

Ainsley beams. “Great! I can give you a ride home to change then we can—”

“She has plans,” I interrupt. “With me.”

Jasmine folds her arms across her chest. “I sure as hell do not.”

My eyes drill into hers. “You do.”

She scoffs. “And what plans would those be?”

My smile is promising all sorts of wicked things. “It’s a surprise.”

Ainsley’s eyes bounce back and forth between us. “Uh... what am I missing here? What’s going on between you two?” She turns to me. “And not that I’m complaining, but what’s up with you dumping Peyton’s ass in the parking lot this morning? It’s practically all anyone is talking about.”

Bentley laughs while Reed continues inhaling his food. Meanwhile, Jazz and I are locked in a silent battle.

She glances in my sister’s direction. “Absolutely nothing is going on between us.”

“That’s our business—not yours,” I say at the same time.

Ainsley holds her palms up. “O-kay then. Don’t worry about it, Jazz. We can always do it another day. You two have fun doing whatever secret shit you have planned.”

I smile victoriously while Jazz’s face flushes in anger. “Meet me out front after the final bell. I’ll take you home to change then we can be on our way.”

She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but when exactly did you become the boss of me?”

I lean into her ear, nuzzling my nose against the lobe. “Don’t test me, Jazz. One way or the other, you’re coming with me.”

“Fine. But you’re feeding me.”

“Oh, I’ll feed you something real good, baby. I’ll give you a hint. It starts with D and rhymes with stick.”

She shivers. “I meant actual food, asshole.”

I pull back with a smile. “I suppose I can do that too.”

Bentley looks between us. “Can I get in on this party?”

“No!” both Jasmine and I say in unison.

“I need better friends,” Bent pouts. “At least I still have Reed to entertain me.”

“Nope,” Reed says through a bite of his baked potato. “I have plans.”

Bentley frowns. “Doing what?”

Reed shrugs. “Just stuff.”