Page 100 of Tempting Little Thief

“Dad.”

“Daughter.”

I turn to Calvin. “Help me out here! The students at Greyson Prep are your responsibility. You can’t possibly be okay with Boston coming back to class.”

Calvin clenches his jaw but nods. “It’s not the worst idea,” he treads carefully, and I scoff before I can stop myself.

“Rocklin,” my father scolds.

I force my head to bow like a pathetic little princess would. “Sorry.”

When no one says anything for several moments, I peek at my dad, who watches me far too closely.

It’s clear enough Calvin isn’t happy about this, but it’s above him.

It’s above us all, way the fuck up there with Rayo Revenaw in his damn tower of terror.

“My sister signed a contract alongside both of you,giving herselfto a man who wants to see the Greyson union fall so he can take our family down.”

“You mean to a man whothoughtto take me down and then thought better of it.”

“Right … because you gave him your daughter as a bartering tool, she was the white flag, and now that flag flew away. It’s here.Sheis here, and you want to put her in the school with the sons and daughters of people who would come at this place with everything they have if something happened to their kin in a zone they are promised it will not?”

“Like with Greyson Manor, we know Enzo won’t risk what would follow should he show up. You have just said it yourself. They will come with all they have, joining together for the first time under the same cause. He is an arrogant bastard, not an ignorant one.”

My father almost looks sure, smug. It’s as if he’s excited by the idea should Enzo do exactly the opposite of what he’s saying.

My eyes narrow before I can stop them and he raises a dark brow at me, daring me to voice my thoughts aloud when he knows I won’t. That’s why he does it, for the short little win it warms him with.

God, what would he’d do if he knew his daughter was fucked like a goddess by a “street rat,” as he would call him? The shock that would cover his face would taste so sweet.

No. Stop.

Family is everything. First.

I swallow. “Do you think Enzo will simply allow her to stay when he finds out? And while oddly delayed, he will find out.”

My father sits back, his face a sharp mask. “I think he will come to realize she is not what he expected.”

That is not an answer, and coming from him, it could mean so many things.

Does he mean in a good way or a bad one? That Boston is more than he thought or less than? Does he think he’ll honestly change his mind when he has a bride in his hands and our name beside his? I’m betting on no.

My father pushes to his feet, smoothing his black hair back, even though not a strand has fallen out of place. “The girls are being informed of this decision as we speak, so there is no discussion for the three of you to have. The Greyson Society and The Enterprise are yours, so of course, you three have the final say where that is concerned. I don’t expect you to allow her back into the folds.”

“I would certainly hope not.”

He moves to stand before me, and I straighten my spine like a good little soldier. “The anniversary of your mother’s death is three days from now.”

I wince despite myself. I hate his use of the word “anniversary,” as if unknowingly consuming poison is something to celebrate. She was murdered, not that he’ll admit to that, being no one could prove it.

“It is.” I nod once, the reminder an unnecessary one.

“Boston won’t be able to join us outside the walls, of course, but I expect you to be available.” He scowls, warning me not to question him. “Wear something red. It will bring out your eyes.”

“If you insist.”

This time, it’s my dad who scoffs, kissing my head as he says, “Sai will be ready at seven sharp. Do not make him wait.”

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