Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 700

Violeta seemed eager to have the rumors spread even further.

It was like she didn't care about her reputation at all—actually, she seemed perfectly fine with being tied to him.

Wait.

Jasper paused, feeling confused.

Is my reputation that bad?

He prided himself on never being stingy with women. They wanted money and gifts, and he wanted pleasure. It was an equal deal for both sides.

But then again, guys like him were probably the last type a "good girl" would want to be around.

That thought left him feeling a bit unsettled.

"What do you think Violeta's up to?" Zoren mused aloud. "You think she likes you?"

"Likes me?" Jasper raised an eyebrow.

Zoren stroked his chin thoughtfully as if he were putting pieces together.

"But what about Hade? Does Violeta even like him? She better not fall for you, or things are gonna get real awkward between all of us."

Jasper lowered his eyes slightly.

Yeah, she better not fall for me.

Liam chuckled. "Hey, Zero, why are you so sure Hade's into Violeta?"

Zoren looked at them in disbelief. "What, you guys really don't see it? Come on, don't play dumb."

Jasper wanted a smoke, but his lighter was still in the tennis club. He toyed with the unlit cigarette between his fingers, giving them a half-smile. "Whether Hade likes her or not, Violeta and I are never going to be together."

Liam blinked. "What?"

Jasper didn't bother to explain. "Gotta go. I've got plans."

Having known Hayden for years, Jasper understood his friend's attitude. Hayden wasn't easy to read, but he was clearly waiting to see how Jasper reacted to Violeta.

Even Zoren had noticed Hayden's feelings for her, so there was no way Jasper hadn't picked up on it too.

Hayden was likely just observing, seeing if Jasper had any interest. If he did, Hayden would back off.

After all, neither of them wanted to ruin their friendship.

When it came to relationships, Jasper believed in fate. He'd never forced anyone into anything—every woman he'd dated had been willing.

And since Hayden had met Violeta first, Jasper knew where the line was.