I want to call his bluff, but on the off chance he isn’t lying, I don’t. Because you know, I kind of need a good grade if I want to keep my scholarship.
Stupid.
Stupid, Violet.
“Call me later, Jagger,” the girl says as the familiar click-clack of heels on the linoleum floor echoes. When she passes me, I’m met with some solid side-eye, and I fight to keep from rolling mine.
Bitch.
“Violet?” Jagger prods behind me.
With a deep breath, I face him again but stay quiet.
“How are you feeling?”
How am I feeling? Is this man serious?
“What?” I say.
Pushing to his feet, he moves around the desk until we’re nearly chest to chest. His dark gaze bounces around my face, but I have no idea what he’s looking for. “The bruising looks better.”
I hold in my scoff. Like he actually cares. “Makeup’s a magical thing,” I reply.
His nod is slow as his gaze ricochets around my face once more.
“So, what about my assignment?” I ask.
“Nothing—”
“All right, then.”
I turn on my heel, but he grabs my wrist. “Wait.”
He glances at the professor across the large room one more time, then leads me into the hallway and outside.
I nearly trip over my feet, reeling, though I have no idea if it’s from the feel of his hand on me or if it’s from utter confusion. “What are you doing?—”
“Follow me.”
“Jagger—”
“Come on.” He takes me into an empty room, then closes the door behind us. The click is just as jarring as the sudden turn of events. Crossing his arms, he gives me another hard look. “Why are you mad at me?”
My jaw almost unhinges. He thinks I’m mad at him? Who is this man? “Why were you acting like I didn’t exist?” I shake my head. “Nope. Forget it. Forget I said anything. Now, if you’ll excuse?—”
I start to step around him to the door, but he stops me.
“Say it, Little Thief.”
My molars grind. “There’s nothing to say.”
“You seemed pretty determined to say something two minutes ago,” he argues.
“I was until you decided to be an ass again.” Still clutching the laptop in my arms, I fight the urge to shove it against hischest. “Actually, you know what? Fine. I’ll say it.” I step even closer, forcing myself into his space the same way he so easily forces himself into mine. “Thank you. Thank you so much for being the biggest asshole on the planet and confusing the hell out of me every single time we interact.”
“Violet,” he warns.
“What?” I snap. “You don’t like it when you’re on the other side of the assholery? You can only dish it out and can’t take it?” I jab my finger into his chest. “Is that what it is, Jag Off?” I laugh. “You know what? I actually think the name’s pretty fitting. I know you don’t like Ethan and all, but I’m pretty sure he deserves some credit for giving you the most fitting nickname on the whole damn planet, and?—”
