Page 44 of Mistress A-0002

“Bullshit. There’s nothing you can do to undo what’s been done.”

“You did this to yourself. “I gestured ahead, and he took the lead. “But you underestimate my power. That man in your back room is more important than you can even fathom. By the time we’re finished, you’re going to want to rethink your feelings towards me. I’m not your enemy. I never was.”

“Your position was mine. That should have been me taking over after Whitlock.”

I grabbed his arm, spinning him to face me.

“You were already settled here. Besides, it was always mine. You’re lucky you’re even alive after the stunt you pulled. Plenty in the circle wanted you dead.”

Drayton jerked his arm free. “Yeah, yeah. But for the wrong reasons. I damaged my family’s reputation.Fuck them.”

“That’s the attitude that got you sent here to begin with.” My eyes narrowed. “You’ve been here for almost as long as we’ve been out of college. It’s time you accept this life. It’s the best you’re going to get. It doesn’t have to be bad.”

“Doesn’t have to be bad?” He gave a sarcastic laugh. “Babysitting celebrities. Making them. Breaking them. It doesn’t have to be bad?”

“What do you think I do?”

Drayton’s jaw tightened. “You get the good parts. Thefunparts. I get the bullshit dramatic parts. Our positions are not the same. Not even close.”

“You’re wrong. They’re a lot more similar than you know. Accept. You wanted to party, ruin your life and everyone else’s, and we gave it to you. You killed your cousin, and almost killed three other elites from your foolish actions. How many accidents did you have before that night? How many fights? Still, you’re ungrateful and haven’t learned.”

His hard features loosened and became lax. “You’re wrong. I never meant to hurt anyone.” His hand rose and flattened in my direction. “I’m not getting into this with you. I made my bed; I’ll lie in it. I’ve done my duty and will continue to do so because although I hate my family, I do respect what we all stand for. I just…this is not what I wanted for my life.”

I stepped closer, scanning the room before my gaze connected back with his.

“I know it can’t be easy for you. You’re a Pennington. You were the heir. You’re pissed; I get that. But things are about to change. For better or worse, I don’t know yet.”

Interest sparked and Drayton’s hand came to rest on the back of my shoulder as he unlocked and led me through a thick wooden door. The music was barely existent in the nearly silent hall as he locked it behind us.

“Change? What sort of change? I talked to my father this morning. He mentioned nothing.”

“Because he doesn’t know. No one does yet.”

More interest.

“Elec, what are you doing? You could have met this man anywhere. You’re at my club. You showed up with fucking Lilian Lowe, rock goddess. You wanted people to know you were here, and you’re bringing me into this as if I support whatever you’re about to do. What’s going on?”

Slowly, we began to walk.

“I’m here to make a deal with you, Dray. Tonight, we’re going to put the past to rest and start over. We used to be friends, but you let your anger ruin your life. We can at least become partners.”

“Partners in what? You have all the good celebrities right where you want them. You showed me up over Lilian, which was a bitch move, by the way. You’re running the show. You made that clear to everyone. What could I possibly do that you can’t do on your own?”

My lips tugged back, but I stared ahead as we continued in a slow pace.

“I’m going to give you something you’ve only dreamed about. …Prayed for.Bled for.” I glanced over. “I’m going to end the LaRoe line by tying its only living relative in with yours.”

Drayton slowed at my side, coming to a stop. The confusion twisted with horror. With rage.

“Repeat that?”

I let out a deep breath. “I’m ending the LaRoe line. I’m giving Marian to you.As a gift.You can do whatever you want to her. I’ll let you get your revenge for what she did to you. But for that, you’ll give us a child. You don’t even have to raise it. You know how it goes. All we need is for it to exist.”

He pulled at his dark gray tie, clearing his throat.

“No. Absolutely not.”

“No?” My lips twisted. “Okay, I can sell her at the Gardens. She won’t bring in much. Not with you taking her virginity all those years ago, but I’m sure someone can get use of her. TheLaRoes’ had plenty of enemies. I’m afraid there will be more when news gets out about what Melissa’s done, but?—”

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