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“You’ve handed us an opportunity to spy on Alec and we need to work out how to use that to our benefit. For us. For Adira. But Rogue is a wildcard. He’s never been predictable. One minute he’s all smiles and jokes. Happy go lucky. The next he could be going after Alec for any number of reasons, the least of which is you.”
“You really think he would go after Alec for me?” My heart skips a funny little beat. I don’t want him to do that and put himself in danger, but the fact that there might still be hope when all is said and done…
“Help me put Alec behind bars where he belongs. Save your friend.”
“How do we do that?”
“I just hate all this subterfuge,” I admit. “I saw Alec just now. I went to see Nicole and he was there. He wanted information. I don’t know how long I can string him along before—”
“It’s not going to come to that. This will be over by the time the article comes out. Just keep pushing him. He’ll slip up. He’ll confess.”
“I’m not sure he will.” I massage my temple. A headache is starting to set in.
“He won’t be able to help himself.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Chapter Eight
Ivy
The coffee shop is as busy as it normally is when I step inside. Students crowd tables and line up at the counter. The chatter is loud and boisterous.
I push my glasses up my nose and glance around until I spot Ben. He waves when he notices me, one hand already wrapped around a giant plastic cup full of icy coffee. The girl across from him glances over her shoulder to see what has caught his attention.
Her blue eyes widen. Her lips curve up. She bounces in her seat. “Ivy, you’re here.”
Ben’s green eyes are full of apology.
I thought we were catching up alone, but apparently there’s been a change of plans. It’s been almost two weeks since we’ve hung out, and I miss my friend.
“Hey, Dizzy.” This girl makes me dizzy. No, I’m still a little shaken from talking to Alec. That’s not on her. I gesture at the counter. “Going to grab java.”And fix my attitude.
It takes me a few minutes to make my way through the line to order my drink. A couple more minutes pass while one of the guys behind the counter makes it.
Ben seems to be quite taken with his new friend. He holds her hand and smiles a lot. It’s cute, but I just don’t know that I can handle her high energy. This is a me problem.
Once my drink is ready, I scoop it up with determination. Ben’s into Dizzy, so I’m going to make an effort.
“Sit next to me,” Dizzy says when I approach the table. She bounces like she’s consumed all the Red Bull along with her coffee. “We have so much to talk about.”
We do?
I take the seat. “Thanks.”
“You weren’t in class,” Ben says.
“Uh, no.” I shift awkwardly. I haven’t told anyone but Rogue and Adira that I’m quitting school. I’ve been putting it off while I try to decide what comes next. I’ve been looking into cosmetology, but now Danica wants to check out my costumes, and I’m not one hundred percent sold on either plan. But Ben’s already noticed my absence. “Actually, I’m going to withdraw from my classes.”
“What?” Ben’s jaw loosens and his brow tightens. “You’re quitting.”
“Changing direction,” I explain. “I never actually wanted to study business. That was what I agreed to with my parents to make my mom happy. I can’t spend another couple of years doing something that isn’t what I want to do with my life.”
“I knew you weren’t loving it, but I didn’t realize…” He sits back in his seat like I’ve blindsided him. “So what are you going to do instead?”
“Cosmetology. Or costume design.” I shrug as I sip my sweet and bitter beverage. “I’ll stick to working with Adira at the Mojito Bar until I figure it out. Put in some more hours at Hunt Luxuries.”
“You were brilliant at the expo,” Dizzy gushes, wrapping a spring of bright pink hair around her pointer finger. “And that dress was so pretty.”
