Page 39 of Ashes

“It’s all just stupid tradition, don’t you think? Why have only one heir and male, at that? Why not divide everything among your children, both male and female?”

“Because no one ever tries to change the system that benefits them.”

“Do you ever feel like your family never listens to you? I mean, it’s like they hear you, but they don’t care.” Why the hell did I just say that?

It’s like I’m talking to Alex, not to Victor.

I don’t know why I got so comfortable around him.

He snorts. “All the fucking time. But it doesn’t matter because I usually do my own thing anyway and tell my father about it later.”

I grin. “Yeah, that’s a good plan. Alex and I always made sure my father didn’t find out what I was up to. It was a good thing he was away a lot.”

Victor finally starts the car.

Having someone to talk to again feels good, actually.

Even if it’s Victor.

Chapter 17

I’M ON MY WAY TO SEEPaola when one of my men approaches me.

“Your father wants to see you, sir,” he says the words that I hate hearing.

Shit.

I wanted to share a potential theory with Paola, but I guess that will have to wait. Maybe this is a divine sign that I shouldn’t trust her.

I don’t know why I do, but I don’t think she’s lying to me. Still, just because she’s hot and I’d like to fuck her, doesn’t mean I have to hang out with her.

Although, if I don’t talk to her, then I can only discuss my theory with myself, since no one else is supposed to know. And it’s not like I trust anyone with my secrets.

But I’ve already spent too much time talking to my beautiful wife. It’s always better not to let anyone too close to you because as soon as they detect your weakness, they use it against you.

If Paola got a chance to take me down, she’d do it.