Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
“I assume my son is around here somewhere?” August asks me, apparently unfazed by his brother’s actions.
“He’s just grabbing his stuff,” I mutter, pointing to the ceiling as I move toward him, putting distance between Samuel and me. I should feel embarrassed to face Holden’s dad, considering the circumstances of the last time he saw me, but I’m too busy shooting daggers at the judge to give a shit.
Holden appears at the top of the staircase, backpack slung over his shoulder, frowning when he sees his father standing in the foyer. From his angle, he can’t see Samuel, so I tilt my head in his direction in an attempt to silently communicate, but he’s too focused on August to notice. When he gets to the bottom of the stairs, he stands next to me, still oblivious of his uncle’s presence in the kitchen behind him.
“Go wait outside for me,” he murmurs before kissing my temple.
“Well, isn’t that cute,” Samuel says.
Holden bristles at the sound of Samuel’s voice before he spins around, stepping in front of me to shield me from his view. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Is that any way to greet your uncle?” His demeanor is deceptively calm. “Especially after I gave you the courtesy of not having you arrested for assault?”
Holden gives a small shrug. “I don’t think it would be the smartest move involving the police, considering your current predicament.”
Samuel’s smile slips a little, his lip twitching, but he fights to keep it in place. “What predicament might that be? Are you implying something?”
Holden shrugs. “Just that you have eyes on you from what I hear. Might want to tread carefully.”
“That’s enough,” Holden’s dad says, his voice authoritarian and commanding, yet calm. “We have business to discuss.” He walks up to Holden, giving his shoulder a threatening squeeze. “You look like you’re on your way out.”
Holden hesitates, and I think he might not walk away, but then he tears his gaze away from his uncle, giving his dad a nod. “Yeah.”
“I’ll walk you out.” He looks over to his brother before addressing him. “Dad should be right behind me. I’ll meet you in the upstairs office.”
Holden surprises me by taking my hand as we follow his dad outside. I have the urge to spit at Samuel, or at the very least flip him off, but I let Holden lead me to the car instead.
“Did he say anything to you? Did he touch you?” Holden asks the second we’re outside.
“Don’t antagonize him,” August says to him before I can respond. “You came close to saying too much, and he’s unstable at best right now.”
“Valen?” Holden prompts, ignoring his dad.
“No, I’m fine,” I say without hesitation.
August’s eyes flick to mine, flashing with surprise. He saw Samuel grab me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he heard our exchange. I don’t need Holden running back in there and picking a fight, especially if it’s going to ruin whatever plans August has for taking him down.
“He came to me, not the other way around,” Holden says. “Handle it before someone gets hurt.”
August nods. “Why do you think he’s here right now? Trust me.”
Valen
“I change my mind,” I declare, my nails biting into the leather steering wheel. Holden insisted on coming with me to get my stuff before heading back to campus. I agreed at the time, but now the thought of having Holden and my mom in the same room seems like the worst possible idea. I can usually predict how she’ll react in any given situation, but after last night, I don’t know what we’re about to walk into.
If I had to guess, I’d put my money on her acting like nothing happened. Or maybe she’ll give me the silent treatment. Fingers crossed for the latter.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
Holden nods. “Yeah. You stay here, and I’ll go get your things.”
He’s out of the car before I can say another word, marching toward my front door without a backward glance. At first, I think he’s bluffing, but when I see him raise his fist to knock, I realize he’s one hundred percent serious.
“Shit.” I scramble to unbuckle and get out of the car, running up to the house. “You are insane.” Luckily, no one has come to the door yet. I punch the combination into the electronic lock, but it gives me a red X, indicating an incorrect code. I try it again. Same thing. “She changed the fucking code.” I laugh incredulously, shaking my head. I shouldn’t be surprised, but somehow, I am.
Holden reaches across me to ring the doorbell, his finger pressing the button in quick succession.
“Stop it,” I hiss, hitting his arm away. “She’s not here. Let’s go.”
“Give it a sec—”
The door swings open, and both of our heads snap around to find my mother. And boy is she in rare form. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She’s wearing a black formfitting dress with a long camel-colored cashmere coat that cost more than most people’s cars. Oversized, black cat eye sunglasses with a gold YSL emblem on the temples complete the look. I’m suddenly acutely aware of the fact that I’m wearing last night’s clothes—minus the tights—my hair wild and untamed from sleeping on it wet.