Page 22 of Keep My Secrets
“Until it doesn't annoy you anymore.” He laughs. “Is it just the age gap thing? Because we’re what, ten years apart? That's still an age gap, so it makes sense I get to call you Daddy, too.”
“No, it’s not—never mind.” I cut myself off before I give him anything else to use against me.
“Oh, so it is a sex thing!”And…I was too late.
“Eddie, I'm hanging up now.”
“Ok. Bye, Daddy.” His laugh gets cut off when I hang up.
We pull up in front of Castin Tower. The moment the car stops, I am out the door. The doorman barely has time to react before I am barreling through the glass doors.
“Mr. Reeves, how may I assist you today?”
“Let Mr. Castin know I am on my way up.” I continue walking to the elevator I know takes me directly to the CEO’s office.
I hear a “Yes, sir,” and the scrambling of a phone behind the counter as I enter the elevator. For seventy-five floors, the ride is quick. I enter the office just as Kai puts the phone down. He leans back in his chair, watching me.
“Always did have a flair for the dramatic.” He laughs.
“What’s the point of having a reputation like mine if I don't get to wield it?” I laugh, pulling my jacket off. I have known Kai for just over twenty years. He was who introduced me to The Society, and is a huge reason I am the person I am today. He stands to shake my hand before offering me a seat.
“Can I offer you a drink?” He pulls scotch off one of the shelves behind him.
“Sure.” Taking the glass, I sit back in the seat. “How is she doing?” Kai has a knowing smile as he relaxes back into his seat.
“She’s doing great. You didn’t tell us she graduated second in her class with a Bachelor’s of Architecture.”
“I did not.” I smile into my glass as I raise it to my lips, knowing where this is going.
“And why is that? You must have background checked her if she has gotten this close to you. You would have known she had her degree from Acadia, of all places. It seems like pertinent information when asking us to do you a favor.”
“I only asked you to interview her; you chose to hire her on your own.”
“True, and we probably would have given her a low-stakes job just to keep you happy.”
“But you decided to bend rules for her.” I smile, knowing that they see the strong, capable, and smart woman I do.
“Did you see who recommended her?”
“I did not.” If he is impressed, it has to be someone influential.
“Sebastian Thorne. Have anything to do with that?”
“Nope, didn't even know she was in his class. We didn't meet until after she graduated.” His eyes widen. We went to school with Sebastian; he was the first of us to find out about The Court. He has done well for himself, with the help of the Knights.
“So you have only known each other for a few months?” He smiles, feeling like he has uncovered some huge secret. Just because I don't tell everyone everything doesn't mean I'm hiding things. I mean, I do hide things, but Aria will never be one of them. “She had said she moved here this weekend. Have anything to do with that?”
“Obviously. I couldn't leave her again.”
“But you left this weekend to go back to Acadia?”
“That’s different.”
“So did you date before and then rekindle? Wait, that wouldn't make sense if you met her after she graduated.” He takes a sip of his scotch before trying to piece the puzzle back together.
“How long are you planning on interrogating me about my relationship?”
“Until it makes sense. I do appreciate you admitting it's a relationship, though.”
