Page 59 of Filthy Elites

“I’m done running away from that monster.”

A dangerous glint shines in his eyes as he walks over. “Good. But if he finds you, I want you to be ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“To end him.”

When I think Jason can’t surprise me anymore, he proves me wrong.

“What happened with all that talk of being my protector?” I tease, because I can’t deal with his statement at face value right now.

Holding my stare, he cups my cheek. “Oh, if that scum crosses my path first, make no mistake, I’ll be the last person he sees. But I have to consider the possibility he’ll find you first.”

My stomach twists into savage knots, making me queasy. I don’t want to talk about that possibility. Yes, I’m sticking my head in the sand, but it hasn’t been twenty-four hours since I learned Juan violated my tomb. I haven’t processed the news properly yet.

“We need to get ready for school,” I say.

Jason squints, knowing I’m blowing him off. “Fine. But this conversation isn’t over.”

He collects his clothes, which are scattered on the floor, and gets dressed. I just stand there and watch because, despite all my problems, I’m not blind, and the boy is damn fine.

Before he leaves, he kisses me softly on the lips. “I’ll be back in five.”

I don’t move from my spot for a minute after he walks out the door. Jason being sweet is too surreal for me to accept as reality. I can’t let my guard down around him.

* * *

By a miracle,I’m ready when Jason returns exactly five minutes later. He doesn’t use his key; instead he knocks and waits outside. When the donation is too much, the saint mistrusts. No one can blame me for being leery of his intentions.

He changed clothes and his hair is damp. Also, his five o’clock shadow is gone.

“I can’t believe you had time to showerandshave.”

He shrugs in a boyish way. “I can be super fast when motivated. I see that you also showered.” He looks pointedly at my wet hair.

“It was an in-and-out situation. I can’t go to class smelling like sex again.”

His gaze turns smoldering hot. “If you don’t want a repeat of that, don’t tease me.”

It’s not exactly the uber dark reaction I’m used to from him, but it’s not overly sweet either. I can deal with that.

He takes my hand, lancing his fingers with mine.

“What are you doing?” My voice rises an octave.

“Making sure no punk gets any ideas about you.”

More like marking his territory. I told him I don’t belong to anyone, but the stupid butterflies in my stomach don’t care. They’re having a rave in celebration.

“Who is getting ideas about me?” I ask.

“Justice, for starters.”

I groan. “Please, do not remind me of that jackass. I need to keep him away from Sage, but I don’t know how.”

“Easy peasy. Let Luke handle him.”

I shake my head. “I can’t tell him anything. Sage would never forgive me.”

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