Page 71 of Sinful Palace

Willow smiled faintly, eyes crinkling at the corners. “You always do.”

She got up to take a shower and get ready for the day, and I sat back and played with my phone while I waited. About half an hour later, there was a knock at the door.

I crossed the room and opened it to see my father standing in the hall. “Can I come in?” he asked.

“Sure.” I stepped aside to let him enter.

“So,” he said, glancing around the suite before turning his attention back to me. “I heard back from Q already.”

“That was quick.” Probably because you’re the same person, I silently added.

“He’s agreed to meet with you.”

I raised my brows. “I thought you said there was no way that would happen.”

“Believe me, I’m as surprised as you are,” he said stiffly. “Anyway, he’ll be available to meet with you in four days.”

“Where?”

“You’ll need to be in the Order Hall foyer at half past three. Someone will come along to direct you to a meeting room.”

“Great.” I cocked my head to one side. “You can come with me, right?”

His eyes flickered with irritation. “No. You have to go alone.”

“I didn’t mean the actual meeting. Just the foyer. You can hang out with me while I wait so I’m not just standing around by myself,” I said.

“I have plans at that time, so I won’t be available,” he said frostily.

How convenient.

“All right. Thanks for setting it up for me.”

My father grunted a vague response and headed for the door. Before he stepped out, he turned to look at me over his shoulder, eyes flashing.

“Good luck, son,” he said stonily. “I really hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

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