Page 42 of Delilah In Discretion

Kimiko went to thank him when another voice cut her off.

“Yes, a job well done indeed.”

She looked over her shoulder as Luca entered the office as well.

“Ah, Kimiko Masahiko, the daughter of Shin Masahiko and adearfriend to Delilah.”

“What do you want, Luca?” she asked him abruptly, and he tilted his head.

“You took Brad’s position as acting president of the academy. This saddens me because I no longer have control over the students’ choices… it’s you who controls them.”

“Okay, first off, I don’t control them. This is what you call democracy, not a dictatorship. And secondly, I was elected fair and square. Just because you manipulated Brad to do whatever you want doesn’t mean you can do the same to me.”

“I know I can’t, Kimiko... you’re strong, fierce, independent...” He trailed off. “But I can’t help but notice how Delilah seems much more fragile… easy to break.”

“Leave her alone, Crawford,” Kimiko seethed.

Luca shrugged. “And I promise I’ll do just that if you give me control of the student body.”

“Go to hell. I worked for this position so I could actually turn the school around from your appalling behavior.”

Luca’s face darkened, and he caught her by surprise as he rushed up to her and grabbed her arm forcefully. Avery made a move, but from the look on Kimiko’s face, he waited.

“I’ll repeat this again, Kimiko. Give me full control of the student body, and your friend is safe.”

Kimiko pulled her arm back towards her, making Luca shift slightly in surprise, but he still held onto her. With her other hand, she placed a finger on his chest and seethed.

“I know a two-faced lying bitch when I see one, and you, sir, are no exception. You can kiss the lightest part of my ass if you ever think I’ll surrender to you. You stay away from my best friend... from mysister,and I promise I’ll leaveyoualone. Now get the hell out of my office, Crawford.”

He let go of her arm and chuckled. “You’re intimidating, Masahiko. I’ll give you that much.”

“And you’re repulsive,” she responded.

He bit his lip. “I’m going to have fun playing this little game with you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, sweetheart.” He left the room, leaving both Avery and Kimiko speechless.

After some time, Kimiko sighed and crossed her arms in thought.God, it never ends, does it?

Archer continued his set in his gym as he tried to focus on the task at hand, though, as usual, his mind drifted away and was preoccupied with a certain someone. It was always a back and forth between them, every interaction leading to her cowering away from him after taking things too far. And sometimes… he craved that reaction from her and was annoyed with it all at the same time. He wanted her to be reminded that she belonged to him, but he didn’t want to scare her away.

He felt a presence enter the room, and he looked over his shoulder to see Sterling walking in. He made a face as he watched Archer place the barbell on the ground.

“That looks like it takes a lot of effort.”

Archer rolled his eyes as he took a sip of his water. “Something you know nothing about, but yes, it does.”

“I’m just going to ignore what you said and move on to what I actually want to say.”

“As much as it pains me to say this, I’m all ears.”

“Your brother is going to lunch with you and your father’s enemies.” Sterling spoke childishly, and Archer sighed.

“Enemies. Really?” Archer asked him, and Sterling shrugged.

“No better way to put it. Anyway, I was thinking you should probably retract the invitation you gave me.”

“You’re going, Sterling. End of discussion.”

“You want me to be in a room with you, your brother, and four of the most intolerable men on earth? Do you have a death wish for me?” Sterling asked, and Archer stood looking over to him as he looked shocked.

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