Valentin met Mr. Farrowe's gaze with an equally cool one. He frowned, before shaking his head. "I've tried being nice to James. After this summer, I thought..." He blinked. "But, no. Every single time, James has thrown my kindness back in my face. I've tried ignoring him. I've tried turning the other cheek. None of those approaches worked."
And then, his tone got just a little sharper. "I've even tried coming to you, but last time I did that? You sided with him, immediately. So I've learned that when it comes to James and his cronies, I've got to fend for myself. And that's what I'm doing. I refuse to take his abuse lying down."
Valentin steepled his fingers together, his face hardening as he spoke. "Especially when he speaks to me in the manner that he does. What right does he have to comment on my choices? My life? My boyfriend? Well?"