Page 18 of Beloved Sacrifice

Elroy shook his head. “I know you’re angry, Weston.”

“Don’t touch her. Ever again.”

Elroy’s expression hardened. “Don’t push me, son.”

Elroy had always seemed huge—a major force, as powerful and untouchable as the sun. But Elroy Cloud wasn’t a particularly physically imposing man. Weston was a hair taller than he was, and more than thirty years younger. He could take his father in a fight.

Elroy smiled slowly. “Have you been to see your sister lately?”

Huh? What did Tabby have to do with this?

Elroy stood and brushed at the front of his slacks. “You can have Rose for now, but I will continue to train her. I’m preparing her to be a good wife to Devon and Juliette. I expect you to respect that. If you don’t, I will strike your name from the list of allowed visitors.”

“What are you talking about?”

Elroy raised his brows, and then walked away. Weston turned to watch him go. When Elroy was nearly at the door, Weston spoke.

“Did you know, Dad?”

Elroy half turned. “Know what?”

“How I felt about her?”

“Your mother is convinced that you love her, and she you. That you’re childhood sweethearts. But I know you’re too smart to do something so stupid as to fall for a pawn.”

“A pawn?”

“There are players and there are pieces.”

“And she’s a pawn but I’m a player?” Weston spit out the question.

Elroy laughed. “No, son. You don’t even know what the game board looks like. You’re a piece—a rook, maybe even a knight. Your mother, Barton, and I are players. But she’s a pawn, and not your pawn.”

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