Page 50 of Be My Traitor

Milly

One month later

“So, it’s okay for me to take the A level students on a field trip to seeAnthony and Cleopatra?” I asked Lucas.

“I’ll be honest,” he replied. “After what happened with Amber, I feel nervous about allowing students off campus.”

“I get that,” I said. “But you can’t let your mother spoil the rest of your life. She’s gone and she’s not coming back any time soon. These are sixth formers, not nursery kids. They’re a lot more street savvy. They’re not going to go off with anyone. And Daisy will be on the trip. You could come with us and keep an eye on your kid sister.”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to spoil her street cred.” Lucas leaned back in his swivel chair, thinking about what I’d said. “You’re right. I shouldn’t let my mother affect my decisions. She’s probably sunning herself on a beach in Monaco right now.”

“I wish I was on a beach in Monaco.” I sighed. “I think we could all do with a holiday after everything we’ve been through.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Lucas said. “We could take Amber and ask Daisy if she’d like to come. It would be a good opportunity to have some family time.”

“I’m so glad you and Daisy are getting on,” I said. “She’s one of my favourite students and she’s growing into a lovely young woman. Amber’s so lucky to have her as an aunt.”

“Yes, and they get on like a house on fire,” Lucas said. “I think having Amber around has made it easier for Daisy and me to build a relationship. It’s not quite so awkward when you’ve got a small child to entertain.”

“Yeah, it might have been difficult for the two of you to connect without Amber to help bridge the gap,” I observed. “That ten-year age difference isn’t going to matter when she’s in her mid-twenties, but right now, you’re just an old guy to her.”

“Hey! Enough of the old!” Lucas protested. “I can still party with the best of them. If you’re not careful I’m going to have to put you over my knee.”

“Ooh, promises, promises.” I smiled flirtatiously. “You know, we never did try out your desk.”

“That’s easily rectified.” Lucas started to pull off his tie, coming round to my side of his desk. He leaned forward and kissed me, his hands running down the front of my blouse. I could feel my nipples tighten in anticipation and I moaned, shifting forward in my chair to get closer to him.

Knock, knock!

“Are you kidding?” I groaned, thumping the arm of my chair with frustration.

“Sorry, Mills. You’re going to have to hold that thought.”

We quickly tidied up our appearance as whoever it was at the door knocked again.

“Come in!” called Lucas as he sat back down in his chair.

I turned round to see who was there and I was stunned to see my father walk in.

“Gabriel!” Lucas was clearly as surprised as I was as he stood up to extend a hand to Dad. They shook hands and Lucas gestured to the chair next to me. “Please, take a seat.”

Dad sat down and nodded at me. “Milly.”

“Hi, Dad.”

“What can I do for you, Gabriel?” Lucas asked.

“It’s more what I can do for you,” Dad replied. “Have you checked your bank balance recently?”

“Not much point,” Lucas said. “I know what it’s going to say.”

“Are you sure?”

A quizzical frown on his face, he took his phone out and logged into his bank account via the app. From the stunned expression on his face, it wasn’t what he expected to see.

“I-I don’t understand,” Lucas said. “All the money’s back – plus interest! But how?”

“It’s better if you don’t know,” Dad said. “Plausible deniability and all that. Suffice to say that you won’t be bothered by that woman ever again.”