Page 111 of Devious Knight

“You must be seeing things.”

He leans onto his elbows and inches closer. “No. I’m not. Why don’t you like him?”

“I never said that.”

“You didn’t have to. You’re the only person so far who’s displayed any dislike toward him. You also seemed awfully shocked when you heard he was going to be the new lord chancellor.”

“I told you I was sick.”

“I don’t believe you.”

I hate that he’s so blatant, so outspoken, and so not afraid to call a person out when he notices something suspicious.

“I was sick,” I insist. “You saw that I almost fainted.”

His eyes narrow, and I hope he buys what I’m saying. “Fair enough, but I sense something more is up with you in regard to him.”

“Maybe I just miss Chancellor Potalov.” He can see I’m still lying, but I keep going. “Your godfather might not like me so much because I torched your bike.”

He straightens and stares back at me, the tension in his expression softening. “If it’s any consolation, he’s a fair man. He’s not going to use his relationship with me to condemn you. I’ve also told him that we’re sorting out our little misunderstanding between us, so he doesn’t have to worry about you.”

Okay… I… wasn’t expecting to hear that. No way did I think he’d basically cushion my visit with Parker. Maybe that might help me. Then I’d just have to deal with my personal demons. “Thanks, even though what happened between us was so much bigger than a little misunderstanding.”

“You’re right. It cost me sixty g’s to buy a new bike.”

“I thought it was fifty.”

“Lolita, bikes like mine go up in price. You’ll see what I mean when I take you for a ride.”

My lips part, and I stare back at him wide-eyed, shaking my head. “I’m not going on that monstrous thing with you.”

“You’re supposed to do what I want, remember?”

“That’s not service. That’s putting my life in danger.” I’ve seen him riding around like a demon, jumping his bikes over hedges and all sorts like they do in extreme sports.

“You’re safe with me. As for service, remember it’s whatever I need you to do for me, so that’s what we’re doing.” He winks at me.

“You are such an asshole.”

“At least I’m not boring.” He’s talking about Michael again.

I realize this is a fight I won’t win. At least I know it’s happening. “When are we going?”

“I’ll surprise you. Anything else you’re worried about in relation to my dear godfather?”

“No.” My secrets will stay locked away in my heart.

He looks like he wants to question me further, but I’m glad when he doesn’t. “Alright. Ready to play some pool?”

“I suck at pool.”

“Then I’ll teach you to get better.” He stands and crooks his finger, beckoning me to follow.

I push to my feet and follow him into the game room.

I’m always impressed by how big his apartment is. There’s enough space for two and some people to live here. Apparently, all the apartments at Erebus are as big as this and look like the penthouse apartments you’d find in the city.

I was told the guys here get apartments this big because they may get married during the course of their studies. However, heirs like Kade would be moved into one of the houses Raventhorn has set aside for married students.

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