Page 18 of Paper Coffins

For years, I lived under his reign, believing he was the omnipotent one, but London just got a new king, and he doesn’t bend and break for anyone.

My phone chimes from the inside of my suit pocket and I’m quick to reach for it. I’d be a liar if I didn’t say this unnerved me, but I don’t have the luxury of weakness anymore. I also don’t have the ability to bury my head.

The Regency.

One hour.

“I’ve got to go.” I don’t glance up from my phone. “I’ve got a meeting to get to.”

“With who?”

“You’ll find out. Wait for Benny and let me know how it goes. I’ll call you later.”

“Beck-”

“We’ve got to show my father you’re made of the right stuff; this is your first job. I know you’ve got this. I’ll explain more later.” I pat his cheek, issuing a small smirk before I joke, “You’ve got this, babe.”

“Beckett, what the fuck?”

“I’ll explain later.”

This time, I’m final. I pat his chest, not his cheek, and cross the room, making sure to step over everyone as I go.

Never have I kept Sebastian so in the dark about where I’m going, but there’s a first time for everything, and I pray he’ll forgive me later for double-crossing him.

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