Page 2 of Worship

“You’re incredibly difficult,” she mumbles, and I peek a glance at her. At the stranger, I call a mother in my head, my subconscious never taking a hint. “You better not embarrass me today. Imeanit.”

Gabriella Lowden is beautiful and ugly. With her radiant skin, glamorous blond locks, and dressed in nothing but the finest, she’s dripping in diamonds from herbeloved. A matching set more than likely worth thousands of dollars. But on the inside…well, let’s just say her blood runs black, not red.

Sucking Lawrence’s dick years ago when she was still with my father made her who she is today. Fair Haven Times Bestseller of several books, including her very own autobiography. It conveniently leaves out her life before Lawrence and his riches. However, it does, of course, feature her troubling relationship with me. If that weren’t enough, she is also co-founder of her own successful food brand,Desired Foods,an active charity contributor, and women’s envy across the country.

Blah, blah, blah.

Embarrassing her is tempting, but I know I must behave. We’re on our way to brunch with my stepsister, Elise, and while I’d rather chew off my arm than go, I have to be a good girl if I want more television time in my room.

Hiding the smile stretching over my lips, I point my gaze back out of the window and watch the world whizz by, satisfied that I got under her skin just a tiny bit.

We park outside a fancy restaurant moments later. A pearl, demure building that probably serves overpriced bits of food like every other swanky place Gabriella drags me to. Something she calls a treat in front of people, yet I’m waiting for it to feel like something other than torture.

The valet takes the car, and I reluctantly follow her inside. Elise is waiting for us as we walk through a set of glass doors. Wearing an elegant shirt, dressy pants, and stilettos, my older stepsister beams and waves excitedly. “Elise, my darling!” Once she’s near, Gabriella pulls her into an embrace. “Lovely to see you.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy with work. It’s been too long.” Elise’s smile grows when she sees me in the background. “It’s great to see you, Heidi. Beautiful, as ever.”

Bowing my head, my face searing with heat. “Um…thanks.”

I would love to say the smile painting her lips is forced. That she’s just as arrogant and mean as her father, but it’s not true. Despite not being blood-related, she’s always tried to get to know me over the years. Tried to bond with the notion that we’re real sisters.

Ihavea sister, and I don’t want another one.

“Are you well?” Gabriella asks as we take a seat at a round glass table.

“I am. There’s so much to tell you. But first, did you hear the latest?” They both dive into gossip—today’s victim, an actress. She was caught cheating on her husband with her latest movie director. Gabriella expresses her disgust like she’s in any position to be a critical bitch, and Elise agrees, thinking it unfathomable. Who saysunfathomable?

With my hand resting under my chin and watching them both, my boredom grows by the minute. Being here with them issopainful that I itch for the outside. For freedom.Air.

Celebrity gossip and fashion aren’t interesting topics, given that all I have to my name are the plainest cotton panties provided by Stonehill. No expensive lace or silk. I’m not sure they’re even real cotton.

“How is the publicity for the new book coming along?” Elise asks, changing the subject swiftly, which Gabriella must love, given that it’s all about her.

“Busy, but amazing,” she gushes. “I’ll be going on the radio in a few weeks, and Naomi Wallas wants me on her talk show. Can you believethat?”

“That’s amazing news. Anyone would be lucky to get a chance to sit and talk with you. I mean, I barely get to see my author stepmother these days.”

“Nonsense, I always have time for you.” I snort, which earns me a nudge under the table with her foot. But I can’t help it, wondering if Elise would be so in awe if she knew Gabriella hired a ghostwriter.

Not that anyone ever believes me.

A little while later, as their voices drone on, I find myself staring at Elise, always holding a fascination for the lucky ones in this city and what makes them so free and untouchable. I know the answer, of course. The only thing that makes the world tick—money.

Elise has a rich daddy to keep the monsters away. Although Lawrence married my mother, he made it clear over the years that he was never going to step into the role of being my father. And my own father didn’t keep the monsters away. He fed me to them.

“What do you think of the fall and winter collections for this year, Heidi?” I blink, realizing I’ve done it again—drifted off into my own thoughts.

What are they talking about now? Oh, yeah, fashion.

“I don’t really follow,” I mumble, hating that she’s talking to me. “I just wear whatever.”

“You mean you wear what you’ve beengiven?” Gabriella pipes in, amusement peppering her tone.

Leaning back in my chair, shame prickles, like thorns stabbing my skin as I glance down at my outfit. I’m wearing Elise’s hand-me-downs, dark blue jeans, a floral top I don’t like, and a pink hoodie.

Stonehill has us all wear gray buttoned tunics and matching pants while we’re there. But Gabriella makes me change before she takes me out, always bringing Elise’s old clothes from the time she lived with them.

Elise smiles timidly, cheeks staining pink, and quickly changes the subject. Maybe because she’s watching me gripping the butter knife so damn tightly.

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