Page 65 of The Prodigal

I snatch the phone from Eden’s hand and eye her with silent threats as I address my mother. “I realize your husband is clingy, but this is next-level desperation. Tell him I have to spend time with other people. I can’t just sit on his office desk and rub his head when he’s feeling needy.”

“Remington!” She laughs, and I would never admit it, but I missed the sound. “Your father and I are worried about you. The dean called.”

About time. I wondered how long it would take them to realize I never intended on showing up to class.

“Why aren’t you at school?”

I hate the concern I detect in her voice.

“Is something going on?”

I sigh and look to the sky.Fucking Eden…

“Nothing is going on. I’m just giving a friend a ride.”

The line goes silent for a beat as if she’s figuring out how to phrase her next question. My mother is no idiot. “To Nevada, where Eden has family?”

I smile. “From your tone, Mother, you sound like you’re calling me a liar.”

She scoffs, and I can hear her fingers snapping as if she’s getting the attention of someone else in the room. “That’s exactly what I think, sweetheart.”

And they say I get all the sarcasm from my father.

“Why don’t you try again?”

I love this game. “Okay, fine. I’ve been kidnapped again. I tried to get away, but she threatened to torture me with restraints and a blow job. You know I can’t turn down a good time.”

Someone sighs on the phone, but it’s not my mother. “Hi, Hal,” I greet, knowing now that my mother has me on speakerphone. “I’m so happy to hear Vance let you out of the cage. I was worried he was confused that vitamin D came from the sun and not his—”

“Remington!”

Halle chuckles. “Where are you, asshole? Your dad and uncles are driving us crazy.”

“I warned you both to run, but no. You thought they were ah-maaaaazing.” I shrug, wishing I could see the eyerolls I’m likely getting. “Don’t blame me for your bad decisions.”

“Seriously, Remington,” my mother tries again. She’s a pro at ignoring my attempts to avoid the topic. “We just want to know where you are so we won’t worry.”

She’s lying. She’ll still worry, even if she has a room number. “Why does it matter?”

“You know why.”

If anyone can understand my need for revenge, it would be my mother.

“Let me help you, son. Let’s do it together.”

I knew she would figure it out before her husband. She’s always been smarter than him. She’s smarter than all of us. She was the one who figured out Albrecht forged adoption papers and took her son. She was the one who managed to get him to fall in love with her, so she could get into his files and find clues. My mother has always been the queen of revenge.

But now, her reign is over.

It’s time for the prince to claim his birthright.

“I’ll send him your love, Mrs. Potter.”

And before she can say anything else, I hang up.

“Holy shit. How much trouble are you in?” I cannot catch a fucking break.

Turning around, I move toward Eden, a ball of lust and aggravation fighting for control as I take in the way her body looks wearing my jacket and how her pert nipples strain against her wet shirt. “I’m not in near the amount of trouble that you are, love.”

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