Page 32 of The Royal Flame
“Did you sleep here last night?” he asks as he stuffs a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
“Yeah, I just got up early.” I wander over to the fridge to grab a bottle of juice.
“To go running with Maddy, I’m assuming.” He sets the fork down and rotates in the chair to face me. “How’s she doing?”
I shut the fridge door and unscrew the cap on the bottle of juice. “I think she’s pretending to be more okay than she is.”
He arches his brows. “So, she’s basically like you?”
I take a swig of the juice while processing his question. “She might be. I don’t like that she is, though.”
“I don’t like that you’re like that either.” He reaches for a cup that’s on the table. “Have you thought anymore to what you’re going to do about dad?”
“I’ve thought a lot about it, but haven’t come up with anything yet… Lily said you and her talked about being okay with losing his financial support.”
“We did. And we both agreed we don’t need it. We have our own money, and honestly, I’d be glad to get rid of that string dad has attached to all of us.” He takes a sip from his cup then sets it back down. “Speaking of mom, I got a call from the detective this morning.”
I straighten. “What did he say?”
“That they believe that mom took off on her own free will so they’re no longer going to look for her.”
“They might be right, but still… It’s weird Dad would allow them to stop looking for her. Not when it could make our family look bad.”
“He encouraged them too. In fact, I think after the interview with him caused them to make the decision.”
“Really? Shit, I didn’t know he did that.” I exhale a breath of frustration. “To me, that makes him more suspicious.”
“Agreed.” Finn collects his fork. “Have you found out anything else about this society you think her and Maddy’s biological mother belonged to?”
“Not yet, but Maddy and I are going to talk to some people after class that might give us some sort of starting point on where to look.” I put the bottle back on my juice. “I’ll keep you updated, okay?”
He nods then I go into my room to take a shower. But as I’m stripping off my clothes, my phone rings. The call is from my father. I’m not even sure I want to answer it. But ultimately, I decide it’s better to be aware of where his mind set is than in the dark; that way if he tries anything, he won’t have the element of surprise.
I tie a towel around my waist before answering. “Hello?”
“You made it back to school, I take it?” he asks, but it’s not really a question.
“Yeah, it reopened a few days ago.” I make my way back into my room and sink down on the bed. “Have you heard anything about Mom at all?”
“No. And I doubt I will. Your mother will be found when she wants to be found.” Annoyance rings in his voice. “That’s not why I called anyway. I called because according to the Royal City Tabloid, my son is dating the whore from north side after I specifically told him not to.”
“Don’t called her that,” I warn, opening and flexing my hands. “And I’ll see whoever I want to see. I’ve made the decision not to let you control my life anymore and use me as pawn to make you more powerful and wealthier than you already are.”
He lets out a condescending laugh. “Look at you trying to be a man and stand up to me. Too bad you have no clue how much I actually control you.”
“If you’re talking about using Lily and Finn to control me, you should know that we already discuss it and agreed that no one gives a shit if you cut us off financially.”
“Who said I was referring to that? Although, you talk a lot of talk for someone who’s always had wealth in their life. You have no idea how brutal life can be without it.”
“Like you do.” I’m getting close to hanging up on him.
He’s so annoying and having a conversation with him is pointless.
“You know nothing about me son because that’s how I wanted,” he replies. “And as for my threat, tell me, does you little whore currently have a bodyguard that’s supposed to be keeping an eye on her?”
I stiffen, my back going ramrod straight. “Why would you ask that? She’s north side.” I feign dumb, but I’m worried.
Something isn’t right.
