Total pages in book: 192
Estimated words: 182641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 913(@200wpm)___ 731(@250wpm)___ 609(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 913(@200wpm)___ 731(@250wpm)___ 609(@300wpm)
In his eyes, she was the goose, I was the swan, and it had nothing to do with appearances but everything to do with her lack of devotion. He’s more or less loosened his reins on her while tightening mine, when it should be the opposite.
So yes, I’ve been shocked many times by his lack of action or overall decision-making regarding Boston. Though nothing comes close to when I slide inside my father’s car to find my sister already seated inside, golden ball gown poufed up all around her, blonde hair in an elegant twist.
Her eyes flick to mine, but she says not a word, turning to fill the champagne glass in her hand.
“I guess tonight will be an eventful one,” I comment, my attention pointed at my father.
He knows what I’m thinking, so I don’t have to say a word. Why he would bring her with us, away from the protection of the grounds, when his entire reasoning for her being here was his lack of concern or assumption that Enzo wouldn’t dare enter.
But The Enterprise?
Enzo holds a suite there, so should he wish to enter, enter he may.
Two nights ago, after my dad left, I didn’t even make it to my stairs before the girls came down from their wings, sleepwear in hand. They stayed in my room and we didn’t leave it once over the last forty-eight hours. We had no idea who could be listening in, so we didn’t trust the phone, and we had some digging to do but came up short. My father claims he was given a manifest, but Bronx could find proof of no such thing. That’s not to say it doesn’t exist, it might. Probably does … but what if it doesn’t?
What if he lied?
Why would he lie?
That’s the question that won’t leave my mind. Why would he lie if he did, and if he didn’t, tonight is going to be one hell of a party for all in our world to witness.
It won’t be just Greyson Elite Academy alumni and their families in attendance tonight, but other Mafia families, local and traveling gangs, corrupt royals and more. The richest of the rich, the elite from all around, will come together in one place as we do once a year in recognition of the relationships we’ve forged in the last few. It’s a risky move on the best day, so when the head honcho takes a contract and spits on it, then flaunts the fawn before the faux?
It’s no wonder the dress my father sent hides what must be carried underneath it.
But if he’s expecting trouble, why are his only heirs on the way to step right in the middle of it?
“Dad, did you hear about Rocklin’s new recruit?” Boston asks after several minutes of silence.
He looks to me. “I did not …”
“He’s brilliant, a quick thinker, and quite striking in a nonconventional sort of way.”
My eyes slice to hers, and she lifts a blonde brow, swirling rather than drinking her champagne.
“So you took my advice.” My father nods, half listening, half paying attention to his phone. “You’ve considered adding more males?”
I open my mouth to speak, but my sister beats me to it.
“Oh, this one is quite persistent. In fact, you might say he’s determined to get his way.”
At that, my father’s gaze does lift, and he sets his phone in his lap. “Is that right? And who is this new recruit?”
“Your daughter is telling lies again.” I look to her in warning. “Not that that’s any surprise. She’s bitter Miss Giano has refused to allow her a spot in the showcase next month.”
Boston purses her lips. “I have never not had a solo, let alone been a part of the showcase.”
My father nods along with Boston’s words, a small frown building. “Why would Miss Giano deny her?”
“Because I told her to.”
His gaze sharpens and I hold it unwaveringly. He said I am only in control of my world, and this is a my-world problem.
Checkmate, Daddy Dearest.
Besides, who is to say Boston will be here in a month’s time?
At this rate, who is to say any of us will be?
After what feels like the longest drive of my life, our dad looks out the window, realizing we’re pulling around the front of The Enterprise. He gives us his full attention, face serious, and tone just as stern.
“There will be no surprises from the two of you tonight. You will smile, you will laugh, you will praise, and you will be gracious when you yourselves are praised. You will accept any hand offered to you, no matter who it belongs to. You will stay on the floor where I can see you and you will not return to the Revenaw or the Greyson Suite at any point or anytime under any circumstances. Most importantly, you will drop the attitude between the two of you and remember you are sisters, twins, that you love each other, and how, before the arrangement that was made that brought us to this next stage occurred, you would do anything for one another.”