Page 54 of Ruthless Legacy

“If you fail, that just extends your time at school.”

“That means I get to hang out with you longer.”

“Is that what you’re doing, sweetness? Trying to delay your graduation so you can spend time with me?”

“It was a joke, Wolfe.”

“Maybe. But I also think there was some truth to it.”

“Don’t get a big head. It was just a joke. I don’t want to stay here any longer than necessary.”

“Swollen head. You mean, don’t get aswollenhead, and it’s too late. Hearing your voice already did that to me.”

I close my eyes, trying to imagine what he looks like right now. In his office, in front of a computer, inputting grades with an erection. “Show me.”

“I wish I could, but someone just walked in. Raincheck?”

“I’m gonna hold you to it.”

Chapter23

Finn

“Didn’t think you were coming.” My mother says, pulling me into a hug.

“I had to finish an assignment and time got away from me.” Her lips twist like she’s trying to hide a smile. “What? I study and do my work. I might wait until the last minute, but I do it.”

“If you didn’t wait until the last minute, you wouldn’t be late or working on it until the deadline.”

“It’s my process. You know I work better under pressure.”

I hold my arm out so I can escort her inside. She and the other women will be off doing their own thing, while the men are locked in a room for a meeting. Attendance was optional, but my father suggested I show up, so here I am.

She squeezes my father’s hand before walking off and I follow him to the back of the house. “Whose place is this?” I ask, knowing the league members rotate informal meeting locations. It’s been ages since the last time my father hosted at our house.

“Ronald Conroy’s.”

The name doesn’t sound familiar, but Holden probably knows his stats. I haven’t bothered learning anything about anyone that I haven’t or won’t come into direct contact with. We slip into the room behind Wade Bishop. There’s a guy I should probably learn more about. He graduated a few years ago, and he’s usually busy clubbing and traveling the world. He never mentioned any affiliation with The League, but all of a sudden, he’s showing up to meetings. I tap my father, drawing his attention to Wade.

“I’ll explain that later.” He clasps me on the shoulder. “For now, keep your eyes and ears open, and your knives in your pocket.”

I do what he says, because I’m not stupid enough to start anything here surrounded by full-fledged league members. There aren’t a lot of people my age here. Prospects have to be escorted by their mentors. Mentors are league designated guides who help prospects through the indoctrination, training, and initiation process. The Trium’s mentors are always previous Trium members. In our case, it’s our fathers and at times they’re interchangeable.

There’s not much happening in this meeting. Deals being made, tentative alliances, and I hear a few names being thrown out as potential matches. Some names more than once across different families. It’s like a giant game of poker. Everyone bluffing about the hand they’re holding.

Halfway through the meeting, I hear the only bit of information that interests me. Todd Chen announces they’re moving forward with sending out the next batch of invitations for joining The League. That means the advancement to the next level is truly happening.

My father and I are standing by the door, waiting for my mother to join us. He asks, “So, what do you think?”

“It wasn’t as structured as the meetings at The Tomb. More like an information free for all, and bitch session.”

He chuckles. “A lot of the informal meetings are. People feel more comfortable sharing their true thoughts and feelings away from the formality of The Tomb, and the eyes of the upper council members.”

“You’re mid-level. Why do you come to these things?”

“Because this is the best way to get ahead of problems. Besides, I’ve never been someone who hides behind my position, or pretends to ignore other’s concerns. I’m a league member, father and husband. I have some of the same questions and concerns as everyone else, and… a lot of committee votes and alliances are won over drinks.”

I nod. He’s always told me his greatest weapon is to look someone in the eye, give them a firm handshake and sincere smile.

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