Page 100 of Liar
“I wouldn’t say ‘like,’” I respond after chewing on my sandwich thoughtfully. “Winthorpe’s definitely tolerating me, though.”
Aiko returned five days ago after it was confirmed Damion wasn’t in the vicinity. I was disappointed to hear of his elusiveness but not surprised. He’s a man with resources and a cunning decision-maker. He was probably long gone before I blew the whistle on him.
Regardless of his capture, I don’t regret my actions. Aurora’s been taken out of school and sent somewhere international, away from the strain of media that’s clogging Winthorpe gates. Belle and Delaney don’t know what to do with themselves now that their leader is gone, so they’ve resorted to being nice to people. The school’s headed by the deputy headmaster ever since Dupris was tagged as a person of interest over the “Scandal of Scathing Societies” the press is having a field day on. Not by the police but by the shareholders. A cult leader daylighting as a high school principal isn’t good for business.
With all this attention, Damion wouldn’t dare show his face.
And Thorne…
I take on Aiko’s same positioning across from her, sulking. I suspect he’s behind everyone leaving me alone. Calling off the dogs to prove he cares.
Aiko notices the direction of my frown. “When are you planning to talk to him?”
“Not anytime soon,” I mumble.
Thorne sits at his usual table, emptier than it’s ever been, with more and more parents pulling their kids from Winthorpe. Jaxon remains steadfast, splayed beside Thorne and gesturing with one hand as he talks to the glowering gargoyle beside him.
I’ve told Aiko everything, including Thorne’s decision not to preempt his father by telling me the truth. It was particularly painful to tell her what came next—I don’t feel anything for you. I never have. Aiko’s as loyal as ever, juggling her time between me and visiting Savannah when she can. Savannah, who’s voluntarily committed herself to getting the therapy she needs.
“I think you should,” Aiko says.
I look at her in surprise. “I’m sorry, did the military implant a device in you that makes you fond of Thorne Briar?”
She laughs, placing her fork down. “Not at all, but he’s clearly trying. And without his father and the surviving Society members going underground … doesn’t he remind you of a lost puppy? All alone in the world with no idea what to do with himself?”
I return to Thorne. “Yeah, if that puppy is a rabid terrier who yips and bites any kind hand that tries to help.”
“Even rabid animals can be cured.”
I look at her. “No, they can’t.”
“Fine, whatever! Just talk to him so I don’t have to watch you mooning over the sociopathic prince who nearly got you killed.”
“Which is it?” I splay my hands. “Do you support me being with him or not?”
“The more important question is, do you want to be supported in that decision?”
I push back from the table. “Ugh. Stop getting tips from Savannah.”
She cracks a smile, then shoves another meatball in her mouth.
Heat prickles along one side of my face. I turn to notice Thorne watching me under his lashes, pretending not to be bothered by my presence by shredding a paper napkin on top of his burger. Jaxon dips his head into my vision, tipping his chin in greeting before saying something to Thorne. Somehow, Thorne manages to glower harder. But the way he raises his eyes to me…
I want to ask him how he’s doing. Who he’s living with now that his father’s gone and his home’s seized. How he’s handling the lack of a Society keeping him afloat through this crisis.
Thorne narrows his eyes at me, then stands.
Crap. I’m ready to bolt.
“Don’t go,” he says as he strides up to my table. “Not until I ask you one question.”
I sigh, conscious of all eyes turning to us. “What is it, Thorne?”
“Are you satisfied? You’ve ignored me for weeks. Refused to look in my direction for all that time and blocked my calls. Congratulations, you’ve made me feel as rotten as I made you. We’re even. Now forgive me.”
“Are you kidding me?” If I were standing, I would’ve smacked him between the pecs. “You’re not even close to how it felt to be told you were worthless.”
His brows furrow, actually confused. “I never said that.”