Page 77 of Victorious Vice

We’re not at my home.

We’re at my parents’ home. The same house where Brick Latham was killed a month ago.

This isn’t where I want to be either.

“Damn it, Jared…” I begin.

“I have my orders, Raven.”

“Your orders? You’remybodyguard, Jared. No one else’s. I told you to take me home. Tomyhome. Not my parents’ home.”

“Raven—”

“They probably aren’t even here.” I run my fingers through my short hair. “My mother was still at the gala when we left, Jared. Is this what you want? For me to be here alone?”

He shakes his head. “There are servants here. And I will be here.”

“I don’t want to be here. If you refuse to take me to my home, at least take me to Falcon and Savannah’s.”

“Those are my orders.”

I throw my hands in the air. “Who the hell is giving you the orders? Falcon and Leif hired you. You don’t work for my father. I don’t have to stay here, you know. I can call a cab. Call an Uber. Hell, with my trust fund, I can call a fucking car dealership in the middle of the night and have a car delivered here. I’m not your prisoner.”

“I’m doing what I can to protect you. That’s my job, Raven. That’s what I was hired for.”

“Jared—”

“That’s enough,” he roars.

My eyes widen.

“I let you go into that conference room with Vincent Gallo against my better judgment,” he says. “I allowed you that.”

“Youallowedit?”

“Yes. I allowed it because I knew it would be the last time you?—”

I reach out quickly and slap him across the cheek.

For a moment, I see anger flicker behind his dark eyes.

In another moment, I’m almost convinced he’s going to punch me.

His knuckles tense, and his hands are clenched into fists.

We stay still.

He does not attempt to touch me in any way.

“What do you mean it would be the last… What? What is happening to Vinnie? Where is he?”

Jared doesn’t reply.

“You’re fired,” I say. “Your services are no longer needed. Get the hell out of here.”

He stands his ground. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Help!” I yell. “Help me!”

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