Page 6 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

Zion: I’ll kick some preppy rich boy ass when I c u 4 ur bday

Me: Deal

Me: Wait til u c these uniforms I have 2 wear

Zion: Send pics

Me: I will. Dad just walked in. Love you

Zion: You too

“Lil?” Dad pokes his head in my room and looks around. “You’ve done a lot today. Did you know Connor has kids from school over? You should go introduce yourself.”

“Hard pass.” I side eye dad. “I already met Connor and his little band of idiots. Not interested in spending any time with them.”

“Okay,” he draws out the word, “you’ll have to ride to school with him though.”

“What?” I jump up. “No. No way.”

“We only have the truck for now and I’ll need it throughout the day. It just makes sense for you two to ride together. It’s only a 15 minute drive.”

“I’ll take an Uber.” Then a disturbing thought hits me. “Wait. Do they even have Uber in this town?”

“Honestly? I doubt it. But even if they do you’re not spending that much money every day just to avoid Connor.” He’s using his Marines voice now, I’m not going to win this argument. “We’re having dinner with Victor and Connor in town tomorrow night. I think it’s a fancy place so you’ll want to make sure you have something nice ready to wear.”

“Ripped jeans and a scowl?” I deadpan.

“Fluffy skirt and glittery high heels,” he tosses back.

“Ugh.” I roll my eyes. “Let’s go grab dinner and explore the town a bit.”

* * *

“This is the strangest little town.” I say half to myself as we walk down the quaint tree lined streets. The county courthouse and city hall sit in the very center of the town. The buildings that surround the square are historical brick front businesses, something you’d see in any small town across the country. Then, the next ring of businesses out from the square are all mid-rise, glass, ultra contemporary looking office buildings. It’s almost like the Jetsons meeting the Flintstones, the juxtaposition is so stark and unexpected.

There’s a bakery, several small cafes, a French bistro, and a pizza place. I also spot a bank, a few boutiques, and a coffee shop with a small bookstore attached. There are giant overflowing flower pots every 20 feet and old fashioned lamp posts. The streets are laid out in a perfect grid.

“Yeah,” Dad clears his throat, “big change from Chicago. Should we try the pizza place?”

“Sure. Sounds good.”

The restaurant has the vinyl red and white checkered tablecloths over all the tables with flat screens on every wall showing different types of sports. It smells okay but I can already tell it’s not going to hit the spot like a slice of deep dish would. We place our order and kick back to people watch for a few minutes. After our server drops our drinks off I notice Dad looks like he wants to say something.

“What’s on your mind, dad?”

“Victor works in the city, New York City, Tuesday through Thursday. Until we find dependable bodyguards who pass the background checks I’m going to have to go with him.” He looks up at me guiltily. “Victor said while I’m gone you are welcome to eat the chef prepared meals with Connor if you get lonely. Edward acts as guardian when Connor is left alone and he’ll do so for you as well.”

“So, let me get this straight,” I say testily, “you brought me here so we’d be together. When I could have moved in with Z and his mom and finished school with my friends. Now you’re telling me I have to share meal times with a guy who definitely hates me and I’ll be on my own half the time?”

“Yes,” he at least has the decency to look chagrinned. “And when you turn 18 you’ll have to sign a nondisclosure agreement.”

“Iwill have to sign an NDA?” I’m incredulous. “Why?”

“Their family privacy. Everyone who works at the estate signs one, you’ll need to since you live there.”

“This is bullshit, dad. Seriously.” I shake my head back and forth. “Let me move back.”

“No. Your tuition has already been paid for the year.”

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