So gross

Harper’s POV

Marla opened the door for me by a quarter past twelve and let me in.

“I spoke with Jace after you left, and I assure you that you won’t have anything to worry about,” she said as she led me to the room I would be staying in.

My room was next to Jace’s. I knew it the second Marla opened the door.

The wall thumped with bass. Something heavy hit the floor and then a grunt.

“He is just working out,” Marla said, pushing my boxes inside.

“He is very dedicated to the team. You will get along, I promise.”

I nodded like a statue, setting the bag in my hand down and staring at the room.

“Your mother said you like pink a lot,” she said, referring to the designs.

At least she knows that one thing about me.

“Thanks,” I muttered.

The door shut as she left while I stood there, surrounded by boxes.

I listened to Jace Carter do push-ups on the other side of my wall.

I can do this. It’s six months. I will tutor him, get my Harvard letter and never see him again.

I grabbed the sandwich I bought earlier to finish it, but the door opened again without a knock.

Jace filled the frame.

He wore gray sweatpants with no shirt. That cut on his eyebrow made him look even more dangerous than he already is.

He leaned on the doorframe and stared at me with an annoyed expression.

“You are really here,” he said.

I folded my hands across my chest and tilted my head.

“You have a problem with that?” I asked.

“Then you shouldn’t have flunked all your subjects.”

He smirked.

“I had no idea you could speak,” he retorted.

“You tell anyone I need a tutor,” he said, his voice quiet like he is afraid someone might hear.

“And senior year gets worse than sophomore year. Got it, nerd?”

I blinked, the memories of those times flooding my brain.

He must be referring to how he made sure no one sat with me for three months.

He had stolen my lunch every day until I started eating in the bathroom.

That was how I became friends with Quinn. She was the one who told him off.

I hate him.

But I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me.

I walked up to him until we were two feet apart.

I could smell his soap and the sharp scent of ice from the rink.

I had to tilt my head up to meet his eyes.

He is seventeen, I am seventeen.

Although he would turn eighteen in four months while my birthday is still seven months away.

But there is no way I’m letting him bully me in the house as well.

“As long as you don’t tell anyone I am staying at your place.”

He cracked immediately.

“Are you crazy? Why would I ever do that to myself?”

I nodded, although offended.

“And don’t you go talking to me at school.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Got it. Bully,” I said.

Jace stepped forward, his toes almost touching mine.

His eyes flashed with amusement, and I couldn’t help the flip in my stomach.

For a second, neither of us moved.

“What?” I forced out.

“Looking forward to working with you, Harper.”

He turned and left, shutting the door.

I locked it immediately and exhaled deeply.

He knows my real name. I had no idea.

For three years, he had called me all sorts of names except my real name.

I shook my head, discarding his existence, and pulled out my phone as it buzzed.

Marla told me you are with her. Thank you for being mature about this, baby. I love you.

I scoffed, tossing my phone away as I unpacked.

Textbooks first, then SAT prep books and my Harvard folder. I taped Principal Reid’s sticky note to the mirror.

Then I stared at the wall and sighed before pulling out my laptop and opening a new document.

JACE CARTER SAT PLAN

If I was stuck here, he is getting that minimum score. Even if I had to drag him to it.

I placed my fingers on the keyboard to type but then realized I knew nothing about his studies.

The only information I have is that he needs a tutor. I’m not sure in which subjects exactly.

I simply figured since he missed three days and is always late the remaining two days, he would be stuck in every subject.

I would need to ask Marla about that later.

But right now, I could figure out the spare time I have to teach him every day.

I pulled out my schedule and was about to make the adjustment when I heard the shower running.

What?

I paused.

I could hear him mutter something as the water ran and listened.

He is definitely naked right now...

I slammed the laptop shut, but my face was hot.

I couldn’t believe I let myself think about something so gross.

A knock made me jump.

“Harper.” Marla’s voice came.

“Lunch is ready. Thomas made steak.”

“Be down in a sec,” I called.

I waited until her footsteps faded, then I checked the mirror.

My eyes were still puffy from crying so much last night. I looked exactly like what Jace called me.

Freak.

I splashed water on my face, pulled my hair up and changed into a clean hoodie.

The hallway smelled like garlic and meat.

My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since that sandwich on the bus.

The dining room was huge, like a fancy restaurant.

Thomas stood carving steak at the head of the table while Marla poured some iced tea.

“Sit here,” Marla waved.

Jace came down a minute later and settled into the chair in front of me.

With a shirt on this time. A black tee.

“We are having meals together now?” he said as he grabbed the iced tea meant for me.

“Jace?” Marla warned sternly.

“I’m just surprised because you were always too busy to prepare a single meal for me,” he went on.

“Can’t believe you have the time to make steak now.” He scoffed.

I looked on cluelessly but noticed Thomas and Marla were uncomfortable with his comments.

“Jace, quiet at the table,” Thomas muttered.

“Why? Are you afraid your guest will know the real you?” Jace shot back, gulping the tea.

“Harper is not a guest. She is one of us,” Marla corrected.

“Sure.” Jace snorted.

“Yeah, the perfect daughter you’ve always wanted.”

I blinked, deducing what this was all about.

I read all about the Carters on my way back from Phoenix and found out they are both doctors.

They attended the same schools from secondary school to university, with a year between them, and remained top of their classes.

It’s understandable that they would be disappointed that their only son isn’t interested in his studies.

I smiled, lowering my head.

Maybe I have just found a way to get back at Jace Carter.

His parents.

This would be fun.