Page 88 of Judgment

Is it?

That’s what I claimed. What I wanted.

I give Paisley a nod and take her hand in mine, this time without a tube of ChapStick causing issues. She stays close at my side as we walk to the elevator and step inside.

But I can’t shake the unease I feel. “The people we will be around tonight are different, Paisley.”

She snorts out a little laugh. “I feel like that’s a huge understatement.”

“Possibly.” I drag my thumb over the soft skin of her hand. “The people involved in The Association aren’t good. I want you to be very conscious of that fact.”

“The Association?” Her brows come together as the elevator descends. “Is that how you know the man who came into Platinum?”

I grind my teeth at the mention of Frederick. I’d prefer she didn’t remember he existed. “It is. He is what we call a legacy.”

“Does that mean he inherited his place?” Once again Paisley proves to be wickedly smart.

“Yes.”

I hold my breath, knowing what’s coming next.

“What about you? Are you a legacy?”

I shift my jaw from side to side. “No.”

She watches me, gaze unwavering. “How did you get your place in The Association?”

I should have been a legacy. Would have been if my legacy wasn’t tainted with so much filth it could never be scrubbed clean.

Instead I had to be creative.

Sneaky.

Had to hide the connections I keep. Connections built on blood, both born and spent.

I meet Paisley’s gaze and offer the best explanation I can. “I bought it.”

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