Wicked Liars (Windsor Academy 1)

I throw a fry at Bentley’s face. “Asshat.”

He blows me a kiss in response.

“Fine,” Kingston grumbles.

“Awesome!” Ainsley says. “It’s settled then. Jazz, I don’t have rehearsal on Fridays, so we’ll go shopping after school.”

Okay then. I guess I’m going to homecoming.

WELL, TODAY’S THE DAY. Homecoming. Also, the day I’m officially considered a legal adult.

Sperm Donor is out of town again—no surprise there—but he did shock me by having Ms. Williams deliver a birthday gift. Normally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable accepting anything from him, especially knowing he’s not the man he’d like the general public to believe he is. I still don’t know exactly what’s going on there, but Kingston promised he’d tell me everything soon.

That said, Charles’ gift is actually something useful and as much as I hate to admit... thoughtful. He paid for driving lessons so I can get my license. A brand new black Audi SUV is sitting in the garage with my name on it—booster seat included—just waiting for me to pass the test. I already called them and set up my first lesson. The sooner I get my license, the sooner I’ll be able to get to Belle without relying on someone else.

A month ago, I would’ve been plotting my escape from the Callahan estate. But now... now I don’t think it’s all that bad. Don’t get me wrong, that house is colder than the arctic. Charles is never around, Peyton is... well, Peyton. And ever since Madeline found out that Kingston and I have been hanging out, she’s not nearly as friendly as she was initially. I’m perfectly okay with their lack of warmth though. I have no need for fake or selfish people in my life.

Belle, Ainsley, and even the guys, are enough. Over the last two weeks, things have been... good. Peaceful. Not a single attempt to harass me has been made. After school, sometimes I watch Ainsley rehearse, but other times, I hang out with the guys. They may come across as irredeemable assholes, but when they’re together outside of school, they’re really just normal teenage guys. They eat all the time, play video games, watch sports, party, or just chill. There’s a brotherhood between them that’s endearing—they’re fiercely loyal to one another. All three of them have an obvious soft spot for Ainsley and somehow, that’s extended to me as well, especially with Kingston.

He and I have taken Belle out four different times now and each time, he weasels his way into my heart a little farther. He makes it easy to forget the way he treated me when we first met or the secrets he’s still keeping.

Watching Kingston with Belle is truly a thing of beauty. He’s so sweet to her and she absolutely adores him. Kingston finally admitted that he pays Jerome for

our weekly visits. While I’m annoyed at Belle’s dad for being such a selfish ass, I’m thankful Kingston thought of it. Kingston says there’s not much money can’t buy and I’m beginning to see the truth in that.

“Holy shit, chica, you look fucking hot!” Ainsley wiggles her eyebrows for effect. “My brother and Bentley are going to have major boners all night.”

I shake my head. “Thanks... I think.”

I take in my reflection and smile. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect dress. The satin bodice has a heart-shaped neckline with spaghetti straps and a lace overlay. The chiffon skirt is flirty and flouncy, hitting me about mid-thigh. The eggplant color complements my bronzed skin beautifully and the gold sparkly sandals I’m wearing completes the look. Ainsley styled my hair in a half updo with the long pieces curled down my back. She topped it off with the smoky eye, pink lip makeup combo, giving the whole thing a sultry, but classy vibe.

I mimic her eyebrow movements. “You’re looking pretty fine yourself, lady.”

Ainsley’s dress is similar in style to mine but hers is bright red and backless. Reed is going to be speechless. She looks absolutely stunning.

She loops her arm through my elbow. “We should ditch the guys and just go together. We’d make a hot couple. I’d totally bang you. You know, if I was into chicks.”

I laugh. “Ditto.”

A quick knock sounds on her bedroom door before it opens. “Ains, the limo’s here. You re—”

Kingston stands in the doorway, swallowing hard as his eyes travel the length of my body. Mine do the same to him. Twice. Goddamn, he looks good in a well fitted suit. Like, unfairly so. I don’t miss the fact that his tie happens to match my dress. He hasn’t seen it before now, so Ainsley must’ve told him what color to wear.

“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath.

My brows crinkle. “Is that a good ‘fuck’ or a bad ‘fuck’?”

“I’m fairly certain there’s no such thing as a bad fuck where you’re concerned, Jazz.” Kingston’s eyes darken as he rubs a hand over his jaw. “Care to test out my theory?”

Shit. It’s been weeks since he’s touched me sexually and my lady bits are pretty salty about that. There’s only so many times I can give myself a mediocre orgasm before it’s just not worth the effort. If Kingston didn’t look like he wanted to devour me at all times, I’d be concerned he’s lost interest. That’s clearly not the case but part of me wonders why he hasn’t even attempted to touch me since that night in Reed’s bathroom. Granted, we haven’t been alone often but there’s definitely been opportunity. I almost made a move several times but then I wondered if he was getting it from someone else. Maybe he’s not touching me because someone else is keeping him satisfied. I can’t lie to myself anymore and say the thought of that doesn’t bother me.

“God, you guys, get a room and just get it over with. I can’t handle being around the world’s longest eye fuck anymore.”

Kingston ignores his sister, crossing the room until he’s standing right before me. Leaning into my ear, he says, “You look fucking incredible in this dress but fair warning: I plan on ripping it off your body as soon as possible.”

I’d like to say his words don’t affect me, but sadly, I cannot. I’m pretty sure I whimper as chills scatter down my spine.

“You wish.” My words come out breathy.