Page 38 of Ruthless Legacy

I’m desperate to keep her outside, and even though I know what I’m about to say is gonna piss her off, I do it anyway. “We had dinner with some important people tonight.”

“Good for you.”

“They’ve made a decision about your family line.”

“That’s old news. I’ve already told Joshua I’m not going to be a guardian.”

“They’ve rescinded that decision. Your family is being fully reinstated as a legacy bloodline.”

“Good for them.”

“You know this means you’re back on the hook with spending time with us and learning about the history of the legacy families.” Her shoulders slump. “I know you don’t want to, but it’s just easier if you do.”

She finally looks at me. “Easier for who?”

I feel better having told her, instead of letting her be blindsided when the rest of the school finds out. My phone buzzes after she goes back inside.

Thea

Thanks for the warning

* * *

Thea

Joshua’s bloodline’s been fully reinstated. Of all the stupid decisions I’ve ever heard,thishas to be the stupidest. What’s a girl gotta do to be left out of these decisions? My phone’s silent for now, but I know Moira and Scott will be calling me just as soon as the news breaks.

I’m sitting on my pride rock, my legs dangling over the sides. The mist from the ocean spray cools my legs. I don’t want this attention. This status. I’ve been clear on that. I’m not gonna let them force me into doing something I don’t want to.

That guardian line shit was bad, but at least the gossip about me had started calming down. My phone rings, and I answer without looking. “I heard. I don’t care. My answer is still no.”

“How can you give me an answer when I haven’t asked a question yet?”

I smile into the phone. “Well, coach, please forgive my hastiness. Please ask your question.”

“I have some free time. Wanna go a few rounds?”

My thighs clench. He could mean in the ring or not in the ring. Either way, my answer is the same. “I’m on my way.”

Wolfe’s offer was to spar in the ring. I’m not complaining, because I needed an outlet for this restless energy I’m feeling. The alternative was to steal Pax’s bike or fuck someone. Option one is still on the table, but I can save that for another day.

“Good, Thea. Move your feet. More power in your punch. Rotate your hips more. Keep your guard up.”

He yells orders at me and I work to comply, even through the sweat pouring into my eyes and the burn in my shoulders from keeping my guard up.

“You’re in the zone. I love to see it.”

I keep my focus, connecting with the pads, as he moves them up and down and swipes at me, forcing me to go from offense to defense without warning. He taps his pads on top of my head, signaling the end of our training, and I lean against the corner post, gulping air.

He walks over with my water bottle and squirts the liquid into my mouth. “I loved the focus and intensity today.”

I smile at his compliment. It felt good.Ifelt good. I strip off my gloves, tossing them on the ground next to my gym bag, and stare at him. The training session is over. My thoughts consume me again.

“What’s on your mind, LaReaux?”

“Can I buy you a drink?”

He smirks at me. “You’re not old enough to buy me a drink.”

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