Page 16 of Loving the Liar

Images of the kind of initiations Ella would have to go through almost make me weak at the knees.

“I’m sorry, Celine. This goes against everything I stand for. And I could never do that to my best friend’s sister. What I will do, though, is mention Luke to the board. If I convince them he’ll bring someone, they might let him get initiated.”

I can practically see the hope shattering in the depths of her eyes. She has no faith in Luke getting in. But when I hear the sigh of relief from my friend, I know I did the right thing. After all, I need him to believe I have his sister’s best interest in mind.

Ella Baker will be mine again.

But only on my terms.

Chapter Six

Ella

vicious - Tare McRaw

First class of criminal law of the year. The mere fact of being in here brings a glacial feeling to my bones, but today, I get to add another worry to my list.

The fact that my father died yesterday, and my family is indebted to the Silent Circle.

Since they all wanted to treat me like a child and kick me out of the room, I acted like one and listened behind closed doors. I heard everything. The initiations, my mother’s pleas. How adamant she is to marry me into the Circle to save this family. And Chris’s refusal to bring me to the initiations.

How much did my dad owe his investors?

How bankrupt are we, truly?

What are the real consequences?

They won’t kill all of us... Or else who’s going to pay?

Most of the men in the Silent Circle are millionaires, some billionaires. Is it really about the money? Or is it about teaching us a lesson?

I only have one thing to hold on to. That Luke will get an invite to the initiations and become a Shadow. Then it’ll all be fixed.

The choking feeling mixes with another stress that’s been brewing in my chest. Chris is in Stoneview. How long is he staying for? He’s in his second year of law school; I’m sure he has better things to do than staying here to support my family. He might be Luke’s best friend, but he’s got a life.

He has to go back to Yale. I need him to leave.

I hear whispers behind me as I sit down in the third row. I’m used to whispers about me, but not that strange feeling that I’m about to catch them bitching.

“It’s good she’s in this class. She can learn how to get her family out of prison,” one of the voices murmurs.

The other one giggles before they add, “Are you sure? She’s not the brightest tool in the box. I think she’ll be kicked out of this class at the next selection.”

I snap my head around, narrowing my eyes on the two bitches.

“My dad died. Could you give me a minute to mourn before I have to deal with you two?”

Their faces fall. It seems they didn’t know. This is the real secret about ruling, isn’t it? Never do it by fear. Take them by the guts. Twist their feelings. If being sweet doesn’t work, pity will do for now.

“Oh my god, Ella. I’m so sorry, I had no idea.” The one who initiated the conversation blushes.

“For fuck’s sake,” I snort. “Aren’t you the president of Take Care, Be Well?”

Her face turns a new shade of red. That’s the wellbeing club associated with the mental health services on campus. “You’re a pathetic hypocrite, and you don’t deserve your position.”

“Please, don’t tell them,” she blurts out. “I’m sorry.”

I roll my eyes and face forward again. I’m not going to tell her club anything, but she can spend the next few days wondering if I will.

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