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“They’ll think you broke.” I frown.

“So what?”

It would work, which is the worst part, because Veronica finally giving in is what Supreme has wanted from the start, and Braxton will get to be the one who brings her to him. Besides, Veronica lasted long enough to prove she’s resilient.

“You don’t know what Braxton’s really like,” I say. “He probably has his own ulterior motives, and you should stay away from him.”

I don’t think I can stand seeing Braxton even breathing anywhere near Veronica. He’s trash, and yeah, even bigger trash than me. I’m sure of it, even though I have zero proof.

“I’ll be fine.” Veronica holds my gaze. “And I’m not asking you to like it.”

“Good, because I hate every part of it.”

“Then hate it.” She lowers her voice, even though there’s no one anywhere near our row. “But I’ve got a plan, and you’re going to want to hear it before you tell me how stupid it is.”

Whatever it is, I’m pretty sure I’m going to hate it, but I’m going to help her do it anyway.

Chapter 32

VERONICA

BRAXTON TAKES HIS SWEET time getting back to me, and he even stops to say something to a guy on his way over, as if I’ve got a whole free afternoon to spend out here.

“So?” I ask as soon as he approaches.

“Supreme said no.” He settles onto the other end of the bench and stretches his legs out in front of him. “Sorry. I don’t have anything else for you.”

“Meaning what? He’s busy?”

“He doesn’t meet people who aren’t members.” Braxton tips his chin toward a group coming through the doors and waits until they’re past us. “It’s not about you. He doesn’t do it for anyone.”

“Then how does anyone ever get to him?”

“They join first, and after that, he decides whether they’re worth his time.”

Of course. Join first, and then we’ll answer your questions—if we feel like it. It’s how everything works with these people, and I should have guessed it before I bothered sending a message through a guy I barely know.

“Did you actually ask him?” I narrow my eyes at Braxton. “Or did you ask someone who asked someone else?”

“I said it to the guy who’s my contact for this, which is the only option I have.” He shrugs. “I don’t knock on Supreme’s door and chat about you over coffee.”

“And you’re sure my message actually got to him? Not to someone who decided on his behalf?”

“The answer came directly from him.” A smile pulls at the corner of his mouth. “Believe me or don’t, but I’ve got nothing to gain from making this up.”

I press my lips together, because they’ve been messing with me for weeks, and when I finally want to show interest in their bullshit, I get a no delivered by a guy who couldn’t care less.

Fine. If Supreme won’t come to talk to me, then there’s nothing they can offer me, and I’m not going to hope he’ll change his mind. And if they want me as much as Jayden thinks they do, then refusing them outright should be the fastest way to get the man’s attention. Probably. Maybe. It’s the only card I’ve got left anyway, so I might as well play it.

“Okay then,” I say. “You can tell them I’m not interested.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Not interested in what?”

“In the society, the membership, and every bit of nonsense that comes with it. If Supreme doesn’t want to meet me, fine, but then he can quit sending people after me, because my answer’s no and it isn’t going to change.”

“You’re not serious right now.” His brow creases.

“I really am.”