Chapter 0158

“My last phone call with your father didn’t go well,” Kent says, looking away from me and clenching his jaw. I blink in surprise,

thinking that the last phone call was when...well, when my father called to tell Kent that I’m a spoiled, ungrateful whore. But Kent

was calm and collected when I saw him later that afternoon — I had assumed...

“Are things...okay? Between you two? Between the families?”

“That’s not your concern,” Kent replies rigidly, turning to meet my eyes again, his expression harsh. I huff a little laugh, opening

my mouth to say that it very much is my concern, considering I’m the one stuck between these two families, but he continues on.

“Well?” Kent asks. “Do you want to go?”

I freeze and stare at him, my eyes wide, wondering if this is some kind of trick question. “Do... want to go?”

“That’s what I asked you, Fay,” Kent snaps. “Don’t play stupid now, we both know you're not.”

I don’t let his tone phase me, I’m used to it by now, and instead simply stare at Kent, trying to figure out what the hell I’m

supposed to do now. Because part of me — a big part of me — just wants to go to bed right now, to curl up in the dark and give

myself a minute to contemplate this insane day.

And another part of me — well, another part...likes Ivan. Likes the idea of him standing downstairs, all handsome and cocky,

waiting to take me away. The dangerous part of me — which I am now starting to realize is more powerful than I thought it was —

really wants to see what Ivan has in mind for the evening.

But still another part...

I look at Kent, then, and suddenly all I want him to do is to wrap his arms around me and tell me not to go. To pick me up, and

carry me downstairs, and tell Ivan to fuck off, and then take me to his bed — wherever that is in the house — and lay me down in

his sheets and —

“What do you want me to do?” I hear myself ask, my words tentative.

Then I hold my breath, wanting his answer. Needing it.

I see Kent's minds moving as he studies me. I see him take a deep breath in through his nose and then sigh, shaking his head a

little.

“I need you to go, Fay,” he says, his

voice a little...rueful? I don't know. I

can't parse it. “I’m cut off from intel

about your father right ow, alloniy I

eared. Finds Sie getting

pelt ial It’s bigger than me and

Alden — there's a rift starting between

all of the families...” Kent sighs and

scrapes his hand over his face from

top to bottom. “If you went, Fay, you

could try to discern the sentiment.

That would be helpful.” Please read

the original content at

.

I stare at Kent, shocked that he has such a business-like reply, that his motives for wanting me to go or stay have absolutely

nothing to do with...us. With this afternoon. With whatever our personal relationship is.

And then I remember that we have

two contracts. And that one of those

contracts was to be a istics

the other = andcanksy, te more

Reece was to be his spy. So

quickly, I nod. I wonder if he can see

the disappointment on my face

before I replace it with a little smile.

“Sure, Kent,” I say. “If that’s what you

want.” Please read the original

content at .

He studies me for a moment and

then steps closer, taking me by the

hand and pulling me aapinstiel I

memnbeothat this is a business

trip, Fay,” he growls, close enough

that I feel his lips move against mine.

“I absolutely forbid you to enjoy

yourself.” Please read the original

content at .

I feel a little laugh ripple though me as I tilt my head up, meeting his eyes. “Whatever you say, boss.”