Ruthless Kings (Windsor Academy 2)

I breathe a sigh of relief as soon as the doors are closed. I don’t think that could’ve gone more smoothly. I was hoping the fact she’s known me my whole life would work in my favor. There wasn’t an inkling of doubt in her mind whether or not she should let me in. Now, I just have to wait and see if the bastard gives me anything useful.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

JAZZ

“So...I’ve been thinking about something.”

Ainsley sips on her strawberry milkshake. “What’s that?”

“A few things, actually. First of all, I need to get a part-time job.”

“Why?” Ainsley dips a french fry into her shake before popping the fried goodness into her mouth. It sounds gross, but it’s actually pretty freakin’ delicious.

“Because I need money—the little bit I had saved when I moved here is disappearing fast. I’m sure as shit not about to use the credit card my sperm donor gave me. At the very least, I’d like to be able to buy lunch once in a while.” I gesture to the food on the diner’s Formica table. “Or pay for things when I take Belle out. I saw a Help Wanted sign at one of the coffee shops on Calabasas Road.”

“Would your dad go for that? It wouldn’t look good for his reputation to have one of his daughters working in such a lowly position. Not that I think being a barista is beneath me, but he would. I’d never have time for it with ballet, but if I ever got a job at a coffee shop, I know my dad would freak.”

“Charles doesn’t really get a say in what I do. I’m eighteen.”

“Yeah, but you live under his roof.”

I shrug. "If he really wanted to fight me on it, I'll deal with it. But there's nothing to argue about until I actually get the job."

“Good point. We can swing by on the way home and grab an application.”

I smile. “Thanks, Ains.”

“What are the other two things? You said a few.”

“Secondly...tomorrow’s Sunday, my day with Belle. I was wondering if you’d like to come out with us?”

“I’d love to.” Her face lights up. “What are we doing?”

"Last weekend, we took her to the aquarium in Long Beach, so we thought we'd do the zoo this weekend."

Ainsley has an amused smirk on her face. “That sounds fun.”

I give her a dubious look. “Why are you making that face?”

“What face?”

I twirl my finger in her direction. “You look entertained by something I said, but I can’t think of anything that would warrant your current expression.”

She chuckles. “Oh, nothing. I was just imagining you and my brother taking a little girl to the aquarium. And the zoo. And an amusement park. Kingston’s always been protective, but I never thought I’d see him playing Daddy anytime soon. I think it’s adorable you’ve formed your own little blended family.”

I scoff. “That’s not true. He just drives us around.”

And pays for everything. And is super sweet to Belle, giving her piggybacks all the time. And goes out of his way to ensure every Sunday is my favorite day of the week.

Damn that sneaky bastard.

“Okay, what’s next?” Ainsley asks.

I smile, glad to switch to a less confusing topic. "Well, I never got the chance to do something to celebrate turning eighteen because...well, you know. I've wanted to get a tattoo for a while now, and I always said I'd do it right after my birthday. I happen to know a pretty fantastic artist who's offered to do it for free. I'd love it if you came with me."

Ainsley rubs her hands together. “Ooh, now this I can get behind. When and where?”

“Um...does today work for you?”