Todos los capítulos de Your Bet, My Exit: Capítulo 11 - Capítulo 18

Hailey's POVI hadn't expected to see Nolan again so soon.I frowned at his familiar stare.'Shouldn't he be in Canara?'Is he here for Leona?'"What are you looking at?"Bruce Burton, an upperclassman beside me, broke my train of thought.I looked away and smiled. "Nothing. Thought I knew someone. Guess not."Bruce handed me a cup of chocolate-covered strawberries."Try these. Best around."I know all the good spots. Food, drinks—just ask. I've got you."He grinned. "This place is tiny, but it gets packed. They put tables outside every morning."The owner's niece just left for college, so they need part-time help."Try it out. If you like it, stick around."I nodded. "Okay. Thanks."Bruce patted my shoulder. "Don't sweat it. I like helping."I smiled, about to answer, when a hand clamped around his.He winced. "Who—"Nolan slammed him against a low table.I looked up into Nolan's dark eyes.He stared at me but spoke to Bruce. "Get your hands off her. Who said you c

I didn't know what they said after I left. Didn't care if Nolan agreed to help her.Still, I kept my guard up. He could pull something again.The Caldwells had money and power. Crushing a college girl like me would be easy.But orientation came and went. Nothing happened.Then my old landlord called from Bayport.The lease on my tiny, rundown place ended in a month. Did I want to renew?I shook my head. "No. I don't think I'm coming back to Bayport."The line went quiet. "Will you come back for your stuff?" the landlord asked, surprised.I paused. "I don't want it. Could you throw it all out?""All of it? There's a lot here."There was.So much of it reminded me of Nolan.He'd spent a lot of time there while we dated, replacing my old couch, coffee table, even my pots and dishes.When I called it a waste, he'd smiled. "I stay here, too. The old stuff sucks. Think of it as me paying to be comfortable."I'd let it go and watched him turn my bare apartment into a cozy home,

I tossed my empty cup and pushed the door open.The chimes mixed with the easing rain. The night felt even quieter.My phone rang before I could leave.It was twelve thirty. Peggy."Hailey, what's going on? Someone on the campus forum says you got in with fake credentials!"My eyes narrowed. I opened her link.The post had already become the hottest topic on the campus forum.It had over a thousand comments.[I've seen her around. She's a freshman. My roommates and I had her and Leona tied for hottest girl on campus lol. Totally different vibes tho.][Wasn't she the top student in Bayport for years? Why would she fake her grades?][Did you even read? She skipped the SAT. If she's so smart, why was she scared to take it? Mommy and daddy probably bought her way in.][She's an orphan lol. No mommy, no daddy. Just really good at kissing ass.][Wait what's the tea?][Anyone from Bayport High knows. Look up the Caldwells. Richest family in town. Nolan was in her grade and she sp

I screamed and tried to pull away. Leona wouldn't let go.I shut my eyes, bracing for the acid.Then a hand pulled me into familiar arms.Cedar. For a second, I was back in one of those rare good moments with Nolan.But that was over.I snapped back and opened my eyes. All the acid had splashed onto his back.He was drenched in sweat, his face white with pain.He still held me tight, looking into my eyes."I'm sorry, Hailey."I was wrong to bet on your future. I thought I knew everything. That taking you overseas would fix it."I planned your life without asking."And I thought I was so damn smart. I let Leona play me."His eyes hardened. "No one's going to hurt you again."Not even me."Then his strength gave out, and he collapsed.Campus security had Leona pinned to the ground. She glared at me, screaming."This is all your fault, Hailey! I'll kill you!"If I'm going to hell, you're coming with me!"They dragged her away, her screams fading.I looked down at Nolan'