Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Isabelle
“Hey, printsessa,” Dad greets me in a comforting voice.
“Hi, Dad.” I press my phone to my ear and lean against the bedroom wall. My head is aching so badly it feels like it’s going to fall off and melt like ice cream.
Thank God it’s Sunday. I don’t think I’d have the strength to do much else but sulk and wallow in my million and one worries.
“I… just heard the news.” He sounds cautious, nervous even. I can almost see him chewing his bottom lip and glancing heavenward as if the sky can tell him what to say to me about Parker Federov. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay.” Lies, lies, lies . I’m so far from okay I feel like I’ve strayed to the edge of the world and can’t find my way back.
“You don’t sound okay, Isabelle. I knew you wouldn’t be. That’s why I called.”
I expected him to call the moment he found out about Parker—which he did.
Dad updates the Knights’ database whenever there’s a new member of staff starting at any of the Knights organizations. I figured he’d get the news sooner rather than later. However, given the high-ranking position of lord chancellor, I’m surprised Dad didn’t know Parker was replacing Chancellor Potalov well before anyone else.
Maybe that’s just how it worked out and not everything is as distrustful as I want it to be when it comes to that man. Outside of Dad, no one else knows my suspicions about Parker.
“I’m not okay, Dad.” My voice is suddenly croaky with emotion, as if a frog is lodged in my throat. “It’s been five days, and I feel like I’ve been through hell.”
That inner weakness that drained me when I first saw Parker is still there. Kade was right. If he hadn’t helped me get out of the conference hall, I would have fallen flat on my face. In fact, I nearly did, but he caught me.
His kindness surprised me. I didn’t know what to make of it, but I was so consumed with the shock of Parker being our new lord chancellor that I couldn’t focus on Kade.
“I’m so sorry, sweetie. I can imagine it must have been a horrible shock to see him.”
“It was. And it gets worse. Mackenzie told me that Parker is Kade’s godfather .” Now, that is what you call a bad, bad, bad coincidence. Of all the people who could be linked, why did it have to be them? “Did you know that?”
“No. I had no idea.” The worry in his tone deepens.
“Mackenzie only happened to mention it because I was talking about my upcoming meeting with Parker. Of course, I felt more doomed than I already am given the fact that I’m in trouble because of what I did to his godson’s motorcycle.”
“When is the meeting?”
“Tomorrow. I don’t think it’s gonna go well.”
“Don’t say that. Isabelle, I need you to try and stay focused.”
“Dad, I don’t know if I can. I haven’t been myself since Parker got to Raventhorn. I don’t even know if I can see him for that meeting.”
I was eager to get things moving again with Cambridge. But that was before Parker. My skin nearly slipped off my body when I got his email on Friday inviting me for a quick chat about Cambridge. Only the universe knows how I found the strength to respond.
When I saw him at the gallery years ago, he only dropped by a couple of times. That was bad enough, but I held it together because I had a plan. Yes, it was a vague, sketchy plan, but it was a plan, nonetheless. Now I have no such thing, and he is the man my future relies on.
Dad sighs. “I wished you’d called me.”
“I didn’t want to disturb you. You’re away on business. I didn’t want you to worry about me. Or worry about what I’d do.” Contacting him would make it seem like he’d have something to worry about. “When I screwed up years ago and Parker’s computer got hacked, you stuck your neck out for me and put your job on the line. I don’t want you to think that I’ll use Parker’s presence here as an opportunity for me to finish what I started back then.”
“I know you wouldn’t do that.”
“I still wanted to assure you.” My soon-to-be nineteen-year-old self is definitely not as stupid as the girl I was at fifteen. I don’t even know what I thought I’d achieve at the time. Then what I did by allowing a hacker to use me was…
It was so very stupid.
“I understood why you did what you did back then. And I understand how you must feel now.”
“I was desperately stupid, Dad. But even at fifteen I should have had better sense. I know I barely got away.” We could never be sure if Parker didn’t suspect something untoward about me.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s in the past now.” He tries to sound brighter for me, but I know I really disappointed him back then. “I think it’s best if I drop by sometime during the week to see you.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Of course. I’m due a visit anyway. I’ll be back from Russia tomorrow afternoon, so it’ll be fine. I’ll take you to the city, and we can hang out for the day. How does that sound?”
Honestly, I think I could do with seeing him. It would give me some strength. “Only if it’s not too much trouble.”
“It never is. What day works best for you?”
“Wednesday would be good. I’m free all day.”
“Then I’ll see you Wednesday at about nine. I’ll have to shoot off at eight, but we’ll have all day to do whatever you want.”
“Thanks, Dad. You’re so good to me.” He’s been the greatest father I could ever ask for.
“No worries, my girl. Is there anything I can do for you until then?”
Turn back time to when Mom was alive and happy. I wish he could. “No, I’ll be fine.”
“Okay. I gotta run, but call me anytime you need me.”
“Thank you. I love you, Dad.”
“I love you a million times more.”
His heartfelt words make me smile. “See you Wednesday.”
“See you.”
We hang up, and I slump against the wall, sinking to the floor so I can hug my knees to my chest.
I’m so exhausted it might be best to go back to bed. The little sleep I got last night was restless to say the least.
I finished the painting I started of Mom the other week. When I’m upset, I paint. But when I’m sad, I paint her.
I recreate her by reaching into my memories and pulling her back to life on canvas. Sometimes, I get a picture to capture the emotions on her face. Things like that are fading from my mind.
I needed her more than ever last night. But when I finished the painting and saw how real she looked, I missed her so much the grief broke me. Then I broke down.
I haven’t cried like that in years. I’ve tried not to because it’s difficult to come back from the darker side of grief.
When I eventually got to bed, I kept seeing Mom’s face. And Parker.
I don’t know how I’m going to face him tomorrow, but perhaps I can start preparing today.
The only thing I have to worry about later is going to Kade’s apartment. I have to spend two hours there rearranging his bookshelves and cleaning.
He’s supposed to be out, so I don’t have to worry about running into him. I’m glad because I don’t have the strength for him.
Even though he helped me and seemed to be the only person who noticed something was wrong with me at the assembly, I have to be careful around him more than ever now that I know he’s Parker’s godson.
If I piss Kade off and do something he doesn’t like, I’m sure he’ll use Parker as a weapon against me. As if that man hasn’t already done enough to me.
My doorbell rings, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
I’m not expecting anyone, but my friends turning up unexpected is not usual.
I struggle to get up, feeling a hundred years old.
I make my way downstairs and open the door to find Mackenzie on my doorstep with a box of pastries from the bakery and a million-dollar smile on her face.
“You’d never guess what?” she beams with a little hop.
I try to smile, but my face can’t manage it. “What?”
“I did it. I found a way to solve my problem. I don’t have to marry that asshole.”
She floats inside, and I close the door, very interested to hear the solution she’s come up with.
“What did you do?”
She sets the pastry box on the table and clasps her hands. “Have you heard of the Valkyrie Auction?”
I shake my head. “Sorry, I’ve been so busy this week.”
“It’s fine. Basically, it’s my life saver. The Knights hold it every year. You put yourself forward as tribune, and they bid on you. Think of it as a date auction, but whoever gets you, keeps you for six months.”
I stare back at her wondering how this actually solves the problem. “How does that change things? That’s just an auction, Mackenzie.”
“No, it’s not.” She squeals. “It’s a blood ritual contract, so the agreement is an unbreakable oath that must be followed. I found out the other day that Levi’s parents haven’t signed my marriage contract yet, so it’s not binding. Meaning, if I do this, I’m not available for marriage.”
My mouth falls open at the ingenious, well-thought-out idea. I even feel more awake for hearing it. “My God. This is fantastic, but what happens if you end up with a different asshole?”
“That’s the best part. Kyle Lukashenko is going to bid on me. And win.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. I was hanging out with him last night, and he came up with the idea. We’ve got it all figured out, and he’ll even release me from the contract before spring break. Or as soon as I’m safe from Levi, or any other guy who I don’t want to be with.”
I see now. She’s liked Kyle for a while, and he liked her. The two have never dated because he was in a relationship.
I’m guessing he’s no longer in that relationship, and he probably didn’t want to lose his chance with her once the news broke about her possible engagement to Levi.
I give them both credit. This was well played. “Wow, I’m totally impressed. What about your parents?”
“They’re going to be pissed as fuck, but I don’t care. I love my parents dearly, but this is one fight they won’t win.”
“And Levi?”
“I definitely don’t care about him.” She scowls. “His father wants to arrange his engagement within the next two months. So, as long as they don’t sign that contract before Wednesday, I’ve made a lucky break.”
“You certainly have.”
“I can’t tell you how upset I was with my parents for completely disregarding my career. It felt like it was nothing. I might act like I have my head in the clouds, but I know how lucky I am to have the talent I have.” She places a hand over her heart and smiles. “So, this is me fighting for my dreams.”
Spoken like a true Amazon woman. I wish I could have a tiny drop of her strength.
“I’m proud of you. I knew you could figure this out. Although it came close.”
“I know. I can’t believe how close I came to ending up a Stepford wife.”
“Yeah. I’m just happy you get to continue ballet.”
“Me too.”
I think for a moment as something come to my mind. Mackenzie’s father seemed to be in a hurry to sign the marriage contract, but Levi’s father didn’t sign it. That’s a little odd. “Do you know why Levi’s father didn’t sign the contract?”
“They had a disagreement on some share percentage crap I don’t give a shit about. Basically, Levi’s father wanted more than what my father was offering.”
That’s still odd. Mackenzie’s father has so much to his name that even owning a one-percent share would be a lot.
God, listen to me. Why am I stirring the pot? Even if it is weird, Mackenzie has it all figured out.
She’s free from her worries. I’m not. I still have many rivers to cross.
“Isabelle, I’m free. Regardless of what happens with my parents, I don’t have to marry Levi.” Her face brightens. “Come with me on Wednesday. There’s going to be a huge party at the auction.”
“My dad’s coming to see me Wednesday. I’ll be away all day.”
“But the party is at nighttime.” She giggles. “And I happen to know you’re free that night. You have no excuse, Miss Lady.”
“I just don’t know what frame of mind I’ll be in by then. I don’t want to plan too far ahead.”
Her chest caves. “Please don’t tell me you’re worrying about Chancellor Federov again.”
Chancellor Federov…
That asshole doesn’t deserve the title of chancellor.
“I want to be on the safe side.”
“Isabelle, you’re going to be fine.” She rests a hand on my shoulder. “Not planning to go to a party on Wednesday night because you’re worrying about tomorrow is silly.”
“I know.”
“Then come on, say yes. It’s going to be a blast. The biggest party of the year. It’s not even going to be held on campus. And I need you there. Please don’t make me go all by myself. Plee-ee-se ”
Oh, Mackenzie, you certainly know what to say to wrap me around your finger.
“Okay, fine. I’ll go.”
“Yayy! It’s gonna be fun. And you will be okay. I hear Chancellor Federov is one of the nicest guys ever. It doesn’t matter that Kade is his godson.”
“Yeah, sure.” My heart squeezes as if a steel band is wrapped around it. I want to tell what I really think about the nice chancellor, but I hold my tongue.
Innocent until proven guilty . Even if you know in your heart that the person is guilty as sin.
“Come on, let’s eat some cake.” She picks up the cake box and holds it out to me.
I force a smile I don’t feel to humor her, resuming my previous dreading of the week ahead.
At least one of us is happy. I just wonder when I will be.
Two hours, then I’m done for the day.
I walk down the corridor leading to Kade’s apartment and do a mental walk through of all the things I have to do.
I’m not as tired anymore, although I didn’t sleep.
Mackenzie and I ended up going shopping, then we ran into Sawyer and Savannah.
As we hadn’t seen them in a while, we ended up hanging out with them until it was time to head back. Now I’m here.
I’m hoping to get in and out the moment I’m done.
Kade won’t be there, but I don’t know when he’ll be back.
My steps slow when I approach the door and see it’s ajar. It’s usually locked.
I walk closer, and the scent of delicious food tickles my nose.
Oh no… is Kade here?
The shuffle of footsteps gives me my answer.
Damn it. He is here. And there’s no way I can back out now.
I could leave and make up some excuse, but I don’t want to risk it. The last thing I need before tomorrow’s meeting is something bad to report.
Summoning energy, I keep going. I open the door, walk in, and close it behind me.
When I get to the living room, I stop when I notice how tidy the place is.
Everything is in order. Even the bookshelf that looked like it had been wrecked by trolls is as neat as the ones in the library.
This is the tidiest I’ve ever seen the place.
The scent of furniture polish hangs in the air, mixing with the freshness of clean linen and the aroma of exotic food.
There doesn’t seem to be anything here for me to do.
Did he do this?
Why?
There’s no way he forgot that I was going to come. Maybe he had company or is expecting someone else. It is still the weekend, after all.
Those condoms listed on the grocery list come to my mind. I’ve done the groceries for him three times already since my punishment, and I’ve annoyingly bought condoms every week. Maybe he’s expecting the kind of company where he’ll be using them. And I’m here.
Great. Just what I need.
The thought clatters around in my head, then he appears at the kitchen door.
The sight of him with his sexy five-o’clock shadow and ruffled hair steals my breath away. Unlike the usual black clothing I always see him in, he’s wearing a navy long-sleeved T-shirt and gray slacks that show off his long athletic legs.
He… looks good.
It’s me who’s wearing black today, and I even have the Corpse Bride dark circles under my eyes to match.
We stare at each other for a few seconds until he straightens, seeming taller.
“Did you clean?” The question sounds weird outside my head. The more I look around, the more I can’t imagine him cleaning.
“Yeah.”
“Are you expecting someone? I can reschedule for another day in the week.”
He grins at me and cocks his head. “I am expecting someone, and she just arrived.”
I squint and bite the inside of my lip, then my nerves take over and I bring my hands together. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing. I thought we could hang out. Maybe eat biscuits and drink tea. Although I hate tea and I don’t eat biscuits.”
I mentally bite back a smile because I remember what I said to him last week about biscuits and tea.
I also doubt Kade knows what sugar tastes like. The closest thing to sweet that I’ve ever seen him eat is a trail mix of raisins and dried fruit. I’m not even sure if that counts since it’s still healthy.
I push the silly memory to the back of my mind and return to the present, because what did he just say?
Hang out?
He wants to hang out with me?
“I’m supposed to clean.” I compose my mind and try not to think too much into the idea.
“No. You’re supposed to do what I want—of course, within reason.”
The sexual innuendo laced beneath his words is obvious, but I pretend I don’t notice. “Fine. If you’re not drinking tea or eating biscuits, what are we doing?”
“Dinner and playing pool. I cooked.”
“You can cook?” I raise my brows.
“I can do many things, Lolita. Come on, give me a shot. You’ll see I can be nice ,” he says, referencing our argument about Michael.
He places a hand over his heart, but he still looks like the devil to me. The devious villain I shouldn’t be attracted to.
“What do you say? I promise you my food is better than anything you’ve ever tasted.”
“That’s a bold assumption.”
“But I’m right.”
I think for a moment. Two hours with the devil, then I’m done. “Okay.”