Page 56 of Live To Tell

“You think putting me on the spot will change my mind?” he retorts and runs a hand across the top of his head. “That I’ll do what you say because I wouldn’t dare embarrass Dad by refusing?”

“I’m rather impressed by his level of teenage willfulness,” I comment, and Rowan shushes me. Again.

Sawyer turns Kai so their backs are to the whispering guests, but he can’t hide his words from mine or my parents’ hearing. “Sign or you’re out of this family. You’re an adult—go fend for yourself.”

“Yeah, Mum told me that earlier.” He jerks away from his father’s touch. “You must think I’m dumb. Witches tried to kill me, and if I sign that, I’ll work alongside them. You don’t put my head in the noose.” Kai turns back. “Sawyer Industries is practically under supernatural control,” he says to people. “I don’t want anything to do with the business.”

Interesting. I’ve vastly underestimated Kai Sawyer’s astuteness as to the situation. Or has this recently hit home around the time the soup cans hit his head?

Sawyer’s cheeks mottle pink and he throws a despairing look at Josef, whose tightly drawn expression matches Sawyer’s annoyance. Josef steps forward and the second his hand touches Kai’s shoulder, Dorian shoves his chair back and stands.

“I presume I’m here to stop any supernatural interference in your plans, Sawyer,” Dorian says icily. “Therefore, I must remind you that mind controlling magic is not permitted and would void any contract signed.”

Sawyer laughs. “As if I’d entertain such a thing.”

“How else will you get me to sign?” asks Kai and sidesteps Josef. “Because I’m not fucking signing!”

As Kai snatches the papers from the lectern and tears at them, I gleefully watch the spectacle. Somebody’s plans are as tattered as the papers Kai throws to the floor before he strides away.

“In my recent observations, most teenagers would like a car for their eighteenth birthday and not a whole business,” I inform Sawyer. “I’ve also recently observed that teenagers are difficult to control. Did you know that the human brain doesn’t develop fully until the early twenties? And that risk-taking behavior and a sense of immortality will usually triumph common sense?”

“Your input isn’t required, Violet,” snaps Sawyer.

“I’m merely pointing out that your plan won’t succeed.” I pause. “And also, that you should send your bodyguard after Kai. I’d hate to think Kai’s decision may have negative consequences on his wellbeing.”

Sawyer mutters something unpleasant and also strides away after his son, and I’m quietly impressed how fast Mrs. Sawyer can move in those shoes as she hurries away too.

Josef remains.

One of the other people from Kai’s table rushes to the dais. “Seems that Kai has cold feet,” Mr. Tweed says into the mic and gives a short laugh.

“How does podiatry enter the equation?” I ask Rowan.

“Figure of speech.”

Again? “Dorian. Do you think Kai needs protecting?”

“From his angry father?” Dorian looks down at me from where he’s still standing.

“No. A supe attack.”

For a moment, Dorian regards me before taking and draining his glass of whiskey. “I’d like a brief word with Mr. Petrescu before he disappears, as he is inclined to do in chaotic events.”

“The party’s over. I suggest everybody returns to the academy in case there are repercussions,” says Eloise and stands too.

“Why? You think someone will burn the hotel down with everybody inside?”

“No. But I agree. I’d rather you left the hotel in case there is a crime scene later,” says Dorian. “Rowan. I trust that you can ensure Violet returns to her room at the academy safely?”

I scoff. “I don’t need Rowan to keep me safe.”

Rowan touches my arm. “Yeah, but I’d rather make sure you’re alright.”

“I’m not going back to my room tonight,” I tell them.

“Violet, this is a fraught situation and not the time for your interference,” says Eloise firmly.

“I’m not going back to my room since I’m sleeping in Rowan’s bed tonight,” I inform them all.

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