Page 32 of Ruthless Legacy

“That is a question for grandaddy Wilbur.” Archer places something in my hand. “You’re to come to the clubhouse tonight for your swearing in ceremony.”

I look down at my palm and I find a small sized playing card in my hand. The ace of diamonds. “What if I don’t want to?”

Archer smirks. “Like I said, you don’t have a choice, Scarlet. The sooner you come to terms with that, the better.” And with that he is done with me. He turns his attention to Rafe and they talk about an upcoming fight.

By the end of the day, I’m weary, and with a quick hello to Calvin, I fall into the backseat of the car and close my eyes.

“Hard day, Miss?” he asks me, his eyes meeting mine through the mirror.

“You’ve no idea,” I reply with a weary smile, just as the car door opens and my brother climbs inside.

“Hey, Kidder.” I ruffle his hair, and he groans trying to push me away. “I feel like we hardly see each other these days. How’s it going?”

He grins. “I love it here. Have you been in the indoor pool yet?” I shake my head. “It’s amazing,” he tells me. “And the football coach is the best. Did you know he once played for England?”

“I didn’t, but now I do. So, have you made the team?”

He sniggers in response. “Of course, I have. Stupid question.”

I pull my tongue out at him and we both laugh.

“Hey, what’s going on with you and Archer?” my brother asks me, his face turning serious.

I frown. “Nothing. Why?”

Kit looks to see if Calvin is listening before he carries on. “Are you one of them now? Because Jasper says only the Aces, or the Clubs, sit at their table. And Rory Johnson says that you’re his.”

I chuckle. “Don’t believe all you hear about their silly little club, okay? I’m not in their club and I’m not Archer’s or anyone else’s at that school. You got it?”

He nods, still watching me. “Being a Club is kind of cool though, you know? Did you know our family was one of the family’s that founded the Aces?”

I nod. “I did. Like I said, it’s just a bunch of bored rich boys and a silly club. You just concentrate on your football.”

When we pull up the drive, there is an unfamiliar car parked up. A black Bugatti. Even I gawpwhen I see it.

“Woah! Who’s is the Bugatti?” Kit asks, drooling as he stares out the window at the car.

Calvin laughs in response. “That is Wilbur’s car. They arrived home about an hour ago.”

I gulp. They are here. I am filled with anticipation and nerves at meeting the man who raised our father. The man my father left behind and never spoke a word about. The man that holds the chance of stability for my brother in the palms of his hands.

We head inside and I immediately look through the door of every room we pass to see if they are there. When we reach the kitchen, Edith is busy at the stove. She smiles warmly at us both.

“How was your day? Kit there’s a strawberry protein shake waiting for you. I added the peanut butter, just as you like it.”

I eye Kit as he passes me, and he just shrugs his shoulder and blushes. He already has Edith wrapped around his little finger.

“Don’t let him run rings around you, Edith,” I tell her, and she bats away my comment with her hand.

“Ah, it’s my absolute pleasure to look after the both of you. Now go on up and get showered and changed. Dinner will be in the formal dining room tonight with your grandfather and Lexi. Make sure you put on something nice.”

I nod my head as I grab an apple out of the fruit bowl and follow my brother up the stairs. It looks like we won’t be meeting our new family members until it is time to eat.

I throw my school bag down and pull off my shoes, throwing them down next to my bag. I’ve no sooner lay back against my pillow when my phone rings. When I don't recognise the number, I frown.

“Hello.”

“Hey there, princess. I got you a slot in the ring tonight. You better be as good as you say you are.”

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