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“I think we’re beyond Miss and Mr., aren’t we?”
“I should think so,” Oliver muses. “You have had your mouth on his cock.”
Eden nods, and I peer around like we’re being watched.
Oliver stalks closer. “Honestly thought he’d be more interested in how you were doing, love.”
“Me too,” Eden says, voice full of raw honesty. Her knuckles turn white against the handles.
I put on my best Leo Jarvis face. “I can see she’s fine. It was just a Trial.”
Eden and Oliver peer at each other, and my stomach tightens. Unspoken words flow between them, and then Eden turns toward me. “We thought you should know Sir Wright stopped by Jarvis yesterday. There’s a meeting tonight at seven, and we’re all expected to show up at the same time. We wouldn’t want the Knights to think you’ve abandoned your duties, would we?”
I clench my teeth together. These two came back feisty. Good. They’re going to need it. They’re about to embark as Fledglings, which may seem like the easier route, but it’s not. It’s when the Knights indoctrinate you. They get their hooks so far in you that there’s no possible way to get out when you pass to the next level. It’s all about keeping secrets and lies. Telling your truths. Nothing bonds people like knowing one another’s deepest secrets.
And I think Eden has the biggest one of all.
“I’ll be there. Is that it? You could’ve texted instead of dismissing my class.”
“I don’t have a phone,” Eden supplies. “They must have taken it when they stripped me and put me in my sister’s dress before dangling me over the water where my sister drowned…and no one helped. Except Ollie,” she says, turning toward him.
He holds out his hand and traces the line of her fingers. “I still have your number, but I thought it would be more fun this way,” he says before putting his arm around Eden.
They exit the room unceremoniously, Oliver watching over her every stilted step of the way. It makes me feel like an outsider. Something I’m really not used to being.
Or am I?
I’ve never had the kind of relationship those two have. I’ve never had a confidante that I could talk to honestly; someone I could be raw with. No, it’s always just been feeding information, controlling the narrative. For leverage. For reasons that have nothing to do with simply having a friend.
Their footsteps echo down the hall, and I envy them.
I fall back into my chair and stare up at the ceiling. Exhaling, I realize I’m more confused than I’ve ever been, and I have no idea what to do.
I’d usually go to my father for advice, but I don’t trust him one bit. Especially not where Eden is concerned. She’s not just a diamond to me.
12
Oliver
Eden strides purposefully forward using her crutches as we make our way to the Knights building. Leo walks next to us, even though he feels miles apart mentally.
I like it. I enjoy the relationships this way.
The only thing he uttered earlier was to ask if we’d spoken to Alaric about the meeting. When we said we had, he disappeared inside his room and only came out when it was time to leave.
It’s not normal Jarvis behavior, but I’ll take it.
I drop my hand on Eden’s shoulder. “We’ll be fine,” I whisper so only she can hear.
She shrugs me off then frowns. “Sorry,” she replies.
I kiss the side of her temple. She’s got me in knots as well. She’s focused on moving up the Knights’ ranks, and I’m here staring everyone down, making sure she won’t get hurt again. Not like that. Not if I can help it.
There’s an unusually large crowd waiting at the doorway, and I spot Keegan ahead of us with his father. I’ve had a few occasions to be in Mr. Forbes’ company, and I can’t stand him. Keegan’s just a chip off the old block, as they say.
Eden makes a face, and I remember her telling me once that both the male Forbeses would undress her and Delilah with their eyes during dinner. It makes me want to wrap her up in shipping material and mail her away. The problem with men like that is they think they deserve more than just a peek. If Eden’s father had any balls, he’d have kicked those two assholes out of his house for even looking at his daughters.
Speaking of Eden’s father, he must be here if Keegan’s dad is. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to talk to Eden. Not that I should be after he only sent a one-word text in response to Eden being alive and well. Sometimes, I don’t understand that man.