Kingsley Academy

Chapter 17

Kade's POV

The next morning, I find Cole in the common area, lounging on the couch like nothing in the world bothers him. It pisses me off. I don't know why, but seeing him so relaxed after last night—after seeing him with Allison—just makes the anger simmer under my skin.

I sit down across from him, trying to keep my voice casual. "Saw you with Allison last night."

Cole smirks, clearly not bothered by my comment. "Yeah, and?"

I lean back, crossing my arms, my tone sharp. "What, you into her now?"

Cole raises an eyebrow, still grinning. "What's this, Kade? You jealous?"

I scoff, even though the question hits closer to home than I'd like to admit. "Jealous? Please. I could fuck her right now if I just went to her room."

Cole's smile fades slightly, but he stays calm. "Yeah, fucking isn't exactly hard around here at Kingsley. But it's not just that for me." He leans forward, his expression more serious now. "I actually like her. I think, I want something more."

Something inside me snaps at his words. My fists clench, and I feel a surge of anger rising in my chest, the kind that makes me want to throw a punch, wipe that calm, confident look off his face. But I hold back, forcing myself to stay in control. I can't hit him. Not over this.

Not over her.

Instead, I give him a cold smile, trying to mask the frustration boiling inside me. "You want more with her?" I ask, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You think Allison's the type to settle for more? She's playing you, man."

Cole's jaw tightens, but he keeps his cool. "Maybe. But I'm willing to take that risk."

I grit my teeth, trying to find some excuse, some reason to shut this down, but nothing comes. The truth is, I don't have a reason. I don't have any claim to her. I don't care about her—or at least, that's what I keep telling myself.

But the thought of Cole being with her, wanting more from her, makes my blood boil. And before I can stop myself, the words slip out.

"Then let's make it interesting," I say, my tone sharp. "Let's make a bet."

Cole raises an eyebrow, curious. "A bet?"

I nod, leaning forward. "Whoever gets her to say 'I love you' first, wins. A thousand bucks."

There's a pause, the challenge hanging in the air between us. Cole studies me, like he's trying to figure out if I'm serious. But I am. I need to prove something—to him, to myself—that this is just a game. That Allison is just another girl, and nothing more.

"You're on," Cole says finally, his voice firm. "But don't think it's going to be as easy as you think, Kade."

I smirk, even though the anger is still bubbling inside me. "I'm not worried. You know as well as I do, Allison's not the type to settle down. It's all just a game to her."

Cole leans back, crossing his arms. "Maybe. But I'm not playing her game."

I stand up, the tension between us thick, but I can't back down now. "Good luck with that. Let's see who wins."

As I walk away, my fists still clenched, I try to tell myself that this is just another bet. Another challenge. But the truth is, I'm already too deep in it. And now, I'm more determined than ever to win.

Not just for the money. But for the fact that I can't stand the thought of Allison choosing him.

Allison's POV