Page 189 of Ruthless Legacy

There are two weeks left in the semester, then we’re heading into summer break. The pressure of school will be over, but our off time will be filled will league events and obligations, like the one we’re at now.

“How long do we need to stay?” Thea asks, toying with the lapel on my jacket. Her hands are twitchy and she keeps staring at Holden and Iris, his date for this evening. His match with Paisley ended abruptly. He said his father didn’t give a reason why.

“You in a hurry to go somewhere?”

“Back to the dorms. All of us in the same place makes me feel like they’re about to announce an end of semester challenge.” She gestures towards her feet. “I’m not dressed to enter the Hunger Games.”

“Just kick your heels off and go barefoot.”

She glares at me, affecting a haughty tone. “And mess up my pedicure? I would never.”

“Yes, you would. That’s what I like about you.”

“My ability to mess up a pedicure?”

“That you’re quick on your feet.”

“Real smooth, Pax. Real smooth.”

She turns toward the room, stops halfway, then turns back to face me, looping her arms around my neck and pulls my head toward her. “What are you doing?”

“Joshua just walked in. I’m being scandalous, so he’ll have an actual reason to look like he’s sucking on lemons all night.” She applies more pressure forcing my head down. “Now help me, or I’ll go get Finn.”

I chuckle, giving in to her request. I tug her close, hand on her hip, and kiss her until the smile on her lips fade, and her tongue gets more insistent. I pull away first and turn her towards her target. “Have fun.”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes. The League is watching.”

The minute she gets to Joshua’s side, he pulls her across the room towards his buddies. Men with sons my age or a little older. It’s offensive that he’d do it with me standing here. But he has the right to introduce her to whomever he wants as the head of their family.

My father hasn't expressed an interest in making our arrangement permanent.

“Interesting.” My mother says, walking up to me with Eloise in tow. She drags out the word, putting me on edge.

“What’s that?”

“The women’s league has been so busy navigating this new situation with the daughters joining The League, that I haven’t had time to talk to you about your match with the Laurent girl.”

Thea would hate being called the Laurent girl. “It’s LaReaux and what’s there to discuss? They assigned me as her companion.”

I make sure I sound as bored as I can discussing it. It’s just a business arrangement. Nothing to see, analyze, or talk about here.

“I expected you to put up more of a fight when it was announced. You’ve always said you would never want to be matched with anyone outside of the twelve lines.”

Eloise nods. “I was surprised that he went along with it, as well. There are so many better options.”

Why is this girl always starting shit? “Has anyone ever successfully fought a league match and won?” I smirk at Eloise. “If they have, I know a few people besides myself who would love to talk to them about it.”

She cuts her eyes towards Finn. That’s right, bitch. He’s first in line trying to dump your ass. She chuckles nervously when she says, “So you’re saying youdon’twant to marry her?”

Where did that come from? I ignore Eloise’s question. “I can’t believe we’re actually having this conversation, mother. You, of all people, know this is business and how it works.”

“Of course. I do. I’m the one who’s been teaching you how these things work. Your side projects alone should have been enough to show you that you can’t trust women, even the married ones.”

She says it as if she’s not one of those married women that can’t be trusted. My father told me not to trust women, but it’s my mother who etched that truth into my soul.“Then what’s the problem here?”

My mother turns to face me. Eyes narrowed. “I don’t sense any of the tension or animosity I’ve heard so much about.”

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