Jared grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to stop. “Vera, stop being dramatic. It’s a good thing I’ve been here. For fuck’s sake, Saint showed up on campus last week and threatened you. I was just making sure you were safe. I don’t get why it’s such a big deal.”
I looked up and clenched my teeth for a moment before replying. Jared at least had the decency to look completely fucked. His hair was wild, and his normally finely pressed suit was wrinkled. “Right. That was the same day you stormed off because I wouldn’t date you. Did you even like me? You were just trying to pressure me into something to make my mother happy. And for the record, it’s a big deal, because everything I told you—in confidence—you reported back to my mother! I trusted you, Jared.”
Some students walked by, eyeing us curiously. I knew we were making quite a scene, but I didn’t really care. “Look, honestly, I’m not a huge fan of your mother. She’s a major cunt, and the dating thing was her idea. I get why she wanted to avoid a scandal with the whole unclefucker thing, but she was really pushing a relationship between us hard. Not that it was a hardship. You’re hot, Vera.”
At least Jared was being honest with me now. Even though it kind of hurt my pride. “Did you like me at all? Not just romantically but as a friend?”
Jared let out a huff. “You’re a cool chick, Vera. You’re a little boring, and I wish you went out more, but I did enjoy our time together. And you’re totally fuckable. But does it even matter what I think? You’ve really just dived off the deep end with Hamilton there. Your mother wanted me to drag you out of his house, but I’m not trying to catch a case here.”
My brow dipped in confusion. Now that all of Jared’s lies were out in the open, it was like talking to a completely different person. He was every bit the frat boy fucker I initially thought he was.
“I’m so sorry that my sex life is ruining your future career aspirations.”
Jared rolled his eyes. “Dude. I’m not pressed. But you seriously need to get your shit together. I don’t know what it is about Hamilton that makes Joseph rage, but he’s been shitting a brick ever since I told them about the two of you. Do you know why they hate one another? I mean, damn, Joseph really hates his little brother. There’s got to be a reason, right? I don’t think Hamilton’s being completely honest with you.”
“That’s rich coming from you. God, I fucking hate you,” I growled. “Hamilton has been honest with me from day one. If you want to know why Joseph hates Hamilton, then ask him yourself since you’re so fucking close. Why, Jared? It’s not like you’re hurting for money or a job. Why?”
“See, that’s the thing,” Jared said while lowering his voice and taking a step closer. “I am hurting for money. Dad is close to filing for bankruptcy. I have a scholarship for class, but Joseph paid for my apartment. I actually do need this job. You of all people should understand that.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked in a shrill voice.
“I just mean, you and your mom know what it’s like to be willing to do anything to get ahead. I can’t rely on my trust fund or my dad’s connections anymore. This job with Joseph was a godsend, and I’m not going to apologize for jumping on the opportunity, especially since hanging out with you wasn’t much of a hardship.”
I was stunned. “I’m going to ignore your statement about getting ahead. My mother married Joseph under false pretenses, not me. I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t ask for any of this. What’s ironic is that my mother is under the impression that you’re rich. She keeps pushing me to date you because she seems to think it would be good for me. Fucking joke.”
“Yeah, she has the right idea but the wrong dude. I’m broke as hell. Which is why I’m going to politely ask you to stop fucking your uncle and let me go back to working with you. I really need this, dude.”
I gaped at him. “You’re kidding me.”
“Not at all. It’s my senior year, Vera. I just need to get a fucking piece of paper and get out of here. Please consider it. I just really don’t think Hamilton is worth it. I get the impression that he doesn’t have your best interest at heart.”
“And you do?” I asked incredulously while crossing my arms over my chest. “You’re such a dick.”
Jared threw his hands up in mock surrender. “Hey. I just figured I owed you one. I legit think Hamilton is on some next level shit. Something is not right about him. Also, you’re really hot when you’re mad. Come on, sweetheart, we could be really good together. It doesn’t all have to be work, you know.” He winked at me. Jared fucking winked.
“You lying, opportunistic bastard!” I yelled, not caring who heard me. “Thank fuck I learned who you really were in time.” I poked Jared in the chest and pressed my lips into a thin line before speaking again. “Don’t look at me. Don’t talk to me. I want absolutely nothing to do with you. Hell, I don’t even know you. Leave me alone. Your money issues are not my problem.”
“And what am I supposed to tell Joseph?” Jared growled while throwing his hands up.
“Tell him you failed. Tell him to call me. Tell him to get fucked for all I care. Bye.”
I left Jared standing there with his shoulders slumped before making my way into the
