Page 44 of Made in Malice

“When did that happen?” He leans forward as if my answer is important.

“A few years ago.”

“What happened to them?”

“None of your business.”

Lucian stares me down as if I’ll crack under the pressure. When I don’t, he asks, “Where did they find you?”

A bitter laugh escapes me. “Under a rock. That’s what you said, right?”

His nostrils flare when he exhales loudly. “The Umbras only had one kid, Clara. Was she your mom?”

“Yes,” I say through my teeth.

Lucian lets out a heavy curse and turns to look out the windshield.

“Is that a problem for you?” I snark at his response.

“Yeah. I was told she died twenty-three years ago, and if I’m not mistaken, you’re not that old, so that means they lied to me.”

It’s probably the first real answer he’s given me. I think he’s just as surprised that he gave it up as I am by the way his mouth is pinched like he regrets saying anything.

I snort and shake my head. “If it makes you feel any less duped, my parents told me they were orphans and that we had no family.”

“Did you ever think that maybe there’s a reason for that, and they didn’t want you here?” he snaps angrily.

“Oh wow, that never crossed my mind.” I feign innocence before hardening my expression and my tone. “Have I answered enough of your questions, King Morningstar? May I go?”

“We can finish this conversation now or tomorrow.” He glares at me as if he’s pissed at both of us for considering making a concession.

“I work tomorrow.” I reach for the handle.

“Call off.”

“No.”

“I could strangle you,” he mutters under his breath.

“Been there, done that.” I shove the door open hard. He’s lucky he didn’t park close enough for me to hit my own car, because that really would have pissed me off. His door slams, and he walks around to my side while I’m closing my door. I hit the lock, and he scowls down at me through the window.

“If you think a little glass is enough to keep me away from you, you’re wrong, little lamb. I’m letting you leave.” Lucian puts his palm on the window separating us, then adds, “I suggest you find your way to me tomorrow, or I’ll come back for you, and I won’t be so accommodating next time.”

“You’re insane,” I tell him, utterly stunned at his skewed view of the situation. How can he think he’s been accommodating?

“You know where I live.” He turns his back to me and strolls to his car. My mouth is probably still hanging open when I start my car and drive toward the island on autopilot. His headlights follow me the entire way there.

I keep my speed low after passing the college. I’m nervous about having him right on my bumper on the isolated road, so I keep my eyes on my rearview almost as much as I look out the front to make sure an animal doesn’t run out of the forest. When I slow to make the turn into the Umbra property, he speeds up beside me and stops next to my car.

“I changed my mind, we can finish our talk now,” he orders with a tilt of his head to motion across the street.

“No way, you’d probably bury me under your sewer system.”

“I thought you were tough?” There’s a dare in his tone, one that frightens me more than the threat of him hurting me.

“I’m also smart, pretty boy.” With that, I hit the gas and speed past the gate to the safety of the estate. Lucian’s car sits at the entrance for a long time, waiting. Just as the metal begins to close, I see his headlights jump as if he’s going to drive right through it, but then he turns the car around, and I watch his taillights disappear through his own gate.

I blow out a breath of relief and, if I’m completely honest, disappointment, which makes absolutely no sense. I want nothing to do with Lucian Morningstar.

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