Page 79 of Crossed

“Mr. Errien,” Cade greets, crossing his leg over the opposite knee while he leans back.

“Father,” Parker replies stiffly. He turns toward me. “Ready to go, sweet girl? Your session ended ten minutes ago.”

“I didn’t realize you were picking me up,” I say, standing and adjusting my clothes. They’re uncomfortable, but I woke up to them being hand- delivered to my door, and I knew that meant I was to wear them without question.

Parker walks over, gripping my chin and pulling me in for a kiss. My chest compresses and I freeze in place, not wanting Cade to see Parker claim me so blatantly. His slimy lips against mine feel like poison, and flashes of the first time he forced his way into my mouth make nausea roll around in my gut.

“I’m taking you to my home today. Then we’ll talk about you moving in.” He beams.

Cade clears his throat from beside us and stands. “You two shouldn’t live together until after you’re wed. It’s not proper.”

I bite back the snort at him pretending to be the morality police of what’sproper.

Parker’s face turns to stone, and he spins toward Cade. “I wasn’t asking. I’mtellingyou that she’s moving in with me. Immediately. I’m putting up with all this other bullshit, but I won’t have my woman sleeping anywhere other than my bed.” Cade looks bored as he blinks at Parker.

“And don’t think I’ve forgotten about your little stunt yesterday during Communion,” Parker continues. “Making me kneel like somebitch.”

My eyes widen, head snapping back and forth between them.

Cade smirks, leaning his shoulder against the wall. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Parker reaches out and grips my hand, jerking me forward in his anger and twisting my elbow. I wince, and Cade straightens, the amusement dropping from his face as he locks on to where Parker’s tugging me behind him.

I shake my head slightly, silently begging him to just stay the hell away. He’ll only make things worse.

And when Parker drags me from the room and down the hall, I have to force myself not to look back.

Chapter30

Amaya

WE’RE DRIVING FOR THE NEXT TWENTY MINUTES, to the outskirts of the town where the city streets meet the country roads. The largest of Parker’s buildings is there,Errien Hotelpasted across the front of beautiful French architecture, turning it into an eyesore.

I haven’t been anywhere near this hotel since my mom disappeared, determined to stay as far away as possible, because up until recently, any excuse tonotrun into Parker was one that I’d have taken. We pull right up to the front, the town car slowing to a stop and the door being opened by a valet in a black suit with red trim. His white- gloved hand reaches down to help me exit, and I take it, smiling gently as I step out of the car and twist to look up at the giant building.

Parker grips my waist as he follows and he pushes gently forward, leading me right through the front doors. He ignores the staff around him, and they do their best to stay out of his way.

It’s a beautiful hotel on the inside, and a bit of unease trickles through me knowing Parker lives like this when so many others go without. Technically, I guess I’ll be just as guilty. I’ve already started to get used to the town cars on demand. How long will it be until I’m also ignoring staff and turning up my nose at other people?

There’s a chandelier as large as my living room gleaming in the center of the foyer, gold-lined furniture sprinkled throughout, accented by large vases overflowing with white roses. The floors twinkle from the light’s reflection, and my heels click- clack on the marble as we make our way across the space. The reception is to the left of us, and a small line of people are waiting, but we bypass them all, heading to a hallway on the right that opens to a fleet of elevators.

We step inside, and Parker presses a key card to the pad, waiting until it beeps.

“Penthouse, I’m assuming?” I say.

“Smart girl.” He lifts the key card. “I’ll get you a copy so you can come and go as you please.”

My stomach twists, wondering how Quinten will do in a hotel. There’s a lot of people and there can be a ton of interaction, both of which are beyond what he’s used to.

We’ll adapt. At least we’ll be together.

The elevator dings and the doors open directly into a large marble entryway that leads into a spacious living room. I step inside, following Parker and taking in the surroundings, trying to imagine my life here.

It’s nice, but it’s all clean lines and monochromatic furniture, and I can’t see myself anywhere in this place no matter how hard

I try.

“You can tell you were a bachelor.” I smile, because I don’t know what else to say.