Chapter 145

“I see,” Windsor drawls, tapping at his chin, like all the pieces are falling together. “You’re throwing yourself at those idiots to win a bet?” I nod, and I feel ashamed. I don’t feel like a badass, revenge seeking missile anymore. I feel like Marnye Reed, a girl who’s gotten herself in over her head. I actually like Zack. And I like Creed. I like Zayd, too. And Tristan. They’ve been trying to protect me from the girls all year; I can see it now. It doesn’t make their behavior right, but it does make me want to know more. More about them, their feelings, more about what could happen if I spent more time with them.

“I need to make them fall in love …” I start, and the task feels so monumental that I don’t even know where to begin. I’m running out of time, and my dad’s future is on the line.

“Oh, love,” Windsor says with a chuckle. He pushes his red hair up and off of his forehead. “You know how I’d first guessed you’d fucked?” I nod, warily, but I acknowledge him. “I tho