Page 60 of Possession

Boz looks at Rocco. “What?”

“Nothing, other than your old lady popping your name at the end of that sentence,” Rocco mutters.

Boz narrows his eyes. “Don’t bust my ass for something like that and try to tell me you don’t understand the parts of speech when it comes time to take that test.” Boz looks back and speaks to me in the same tone. “We’llcommunicateabout that later.”

There’s no way I’ll admit to the fact it makes me nervous to be here without him. I don’t need him to know I’m clingy on top of everything else.

“I’m hungry,” Rocco announces.

Saved by the starving teenager.

Boz stands and moves for the door. “Eat and get back to studying. Come and see me later this afternoon, Rocco. I need to get a message to Logan about next week. Landyn, I want you to come and see me first.”

I stand and decide I’m done being bossed around. I’ll help Rocco study because I like him, and I’m bored. But just because Boz wants something, doesn’t mean he’s going to get it. I’m completely prepared to not give him what hewantsany longer. “I’m busy the rest of the day.”

He stops at the edge of the room and demands, “Busy with what?”

“Besides geometry and earth science, I found a book. I’m going to read it.” That’s a lie. I haven’t seen a book since I got here. Surely there’s one around here somewhere.

“You can’t fit me into your afternoon because you found a book?”

“Maybe tomorrow, Boz.”

“There she goes again,” Rocco mutters.

“Landyn,” Boz demands.

I say nothing, but I do hike a brow.

He stares me down, but I don’t give in and stand my ground. I’m proud of myself.

He looks between Rocco and me.

Finally, he shakes his head. “Dinner tonight in the dining room.”

“In the dining room?” Rocco gapes.

Boz nods. “The three of us. I don’t care how enthralling your book is, Landyn. Be there.”

“The dining room,” I echo and hold my head high. “I wouldn’t miss it. All the good stuff happens in the dining room.”

I don’t wait for him to answer and turn for the kitchen, and I don’t care what June says. Today I’m going to make my own lunch, and then I’m going to load my own damn dishes into the dishwasher by myself.

I’m done with people telling me what to do. I might not be able to leave, but if I have to live here against my will, then I’ll damn well do it on my own terms.

Rocco follows me into the kitchen. June has barely warmed up to me, and Miranda will hardly glance in my direction. Both of their heads pop up when we enter their domain. I stop across the island and Rocco stands to my side, probably waiting for my lead.

“Ma’am,” June starts. “I haven’t started lunch yet, but I’ll get on that right away. Are you hungry for anything special? Where would you like it served?”

“Since you’re asking, I want a burger—” Rocco starts, but I elbow him in the side to shut him up.

“Please, don’t bother today. We can manage lunch on our own.”

Rocco frowns at me. “But she offered.”

“It’s our jobs, ma’am,” June insists as she motions to Miranda.

“Not today, it’s not.” I round the island and head to the refrigerator. “We’ll figure it out on our own. Take a load off.”

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