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seventeen

To anyone else, I suspect the room would be intimidating. Not so much the mahogany wainscoting covering the soaring stocked bookcases filled with ancient tomes of relics like, Violet Gray, The Gnu of Society .

Wait a minute. That one does seem odd…

Most likely, others would sense they need to be on their best behavior when in the presence of President of Northview University, Harmen Harvey. Especially when in his own domain.

I’d say he’s a man of about sixty, though his skin is a well preserved rich umber so he could be older.

His eyes make me feel as if I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

The shade is an unwavering solid brown. However, the look behind them is what allows me to relax in his puffy wingback chair across from his cherry desk.

Silently, they tell me, you’re here and you’re wanted .

I can’t say the same for the others in the room, who remain stiff, slyly ready for battle. All except my father, who perches over my left shoulder like he knows he already won.

Are we some of the most powerful men in this city? I suppose. But power is relative and always changing hands.

For example, my father and I strike deals with Mr. Burberry and Princeton Warrick of Warrick Jewels, but Chase Warrick stands aloof, with a smug smile on his face like he just claimed gold. He believes himself to have all the sway now.

The dolt just doesn’t understand what kind of favor he’s granted me.

“I believe this will bode well for all companies combined,” Mr. Burberry lies, slapping Princeton on the back.

Chase’s eyes narrow at my face before sliding down to my chest, sizing me up.

“I agree. Mr. Cardell? How about you? Now that the papers have been signed, how are you feeling?” President Harvey asks.

My father pats my shoulder, then tightens his grip on it lovingly. “I just want to see Ryan happy. Money doesn’t matter.”

The head of Northview gains an odd expression, one utterly unreadable, but the other men in the room look at my father with pity.

Like he’s taken a hit and they believe he’s lost his edge.

And though Xavier Cardell certainly believes riches are meaningless and his children’s satisfaction in life is paramount… he’s not an idiot.

This is a chess match filled with pawns.

And I’m a king.

All I need is my queen.

The Warricks are the first to leave. Then, with one last handshake, Mr. Burberry departs with a broad smile of victory.

President Harvey pauses until they’re escorted down the hall while I stay in my seat. When my father motions for the door, I turn back to the man in charge.

“About the second term of our agreement?” I ask him.

“What second term?” My father whips his eyes to mine.

Harvey clears his throat. “Your son and I are working on a deal. If you’ll just wait outside, Mr. Cardell, it shouldn’t take long. Thank you for your patience.” His voice is as smooth as the top of his head, commanding, but endearing.

Dad looks at me with an eyebrow raised. I understand he hates not knowing everything, but this is something I need to do on my own.

The thick walnut door opens wide, and a large man strolls in with his rough gait and crooked nose.

He seems even less intimidated than me with his air of nonchalance.

But he runs a hand through his longer black hair and along his scruffy jawline before granting me a broad smile, causing the tattoos on his neck to shift like the creatures have come to life.

As my father turns to go, the two men lock eyes, gazes dead. Their shoulders stiffen with recognition, but neither opens their mouths to speak. It’s like they’re seeing ghosts.

Do they know each other?

Dad shifts his attention to me, then makes up his mind about something and leaves, closing the door behind him.

Maximillian Freidenberg reconsiders me, the smile dropping from his face. My clenched fists sweat with anxiety. Is he about to go back on his decision?

But the startled look warms to something else. An understanding, maybe. Like he’s perceiving a reflection of himself. Maybe he sees a little of himself in me. The way he’d fought for what he wanted once, too.

So, in two strides, he places his arm over my shoulders and gives me a pat on the back.

“Let’s do this.”

Once the orders have been smeared with our pricked finger blood, Max steps out of the room, casting another wary glance at my father, who’s waiting in the hall just outside.

I almost exhale. Almost… Pen is mine on paper. But not yet in reality. Not until I finish the job and hand them over a body. That’s how this works. Seal the pact in blood. Provide an offering to Bonakanos in order to gain my reward .

I’ll play their game…

Just long enough to flip the board.

President Harvey stands and taps on the scrolls laid before him, indicating I should sit again. This time, I’m less comfortable. The road ahead of me is made of sharp curves, I know, but my girl is worth every cut.

“Senator Kier Frances has signed the papers regarding your sister, Olivia, or…if not her, your sixteen-year-old sister, Alice.”

The thought makes me want to grab the crystal clock on the desk and throw it through a window, but I hold it together. “He’s already married.” I only make the statement because I want to see exactly how the president will address that concern.

“Your assignment is to take care of that problem. I have promised the senator we would get it done. He was… disappointed that your father didn’t contribute to his re-election campaign.”

My jaw clenches. This is how it works. I’m the repayment plan. “So I eliminate his wife to soothe his bruised ego, while my sister is the consolation prize. All because my dad wouldn’t write a check.” I know it’s not just for that reason. It’s because Xavier Cardell wouldn’t obey .

And for that, I don’t blame him.

Harvey’s palms showcase the layers of orders and appointments decorated in crimson life force in front of him.

With a small glance at an antelope figure shaped from a purple jewel, he peaks his fingers just under his chin and continues with a narrowing stare.

There’s a shift in his demeanor until I’m suddenly afraid of him, or what he may be capable of.

“Perhaps if we had something on him, we could please the senator while also keeping his plans at bay. He very much enjoys younger women. The younger the better.” He says it as if divulging an important secret, one only meant for me or maybe for someone else listening in this room who I’m not aware of.

Just as quickly as it left, his kind, commanding nature returns as he straightens in his seat with a subtle smile.

“The senator will require a pretty face and impeccable reputation to stand beside him during his grieving period after his wife is gone. His suggestion was to have an intern by his side throughout. Then, when enough mourning time passes, make his announcement of marriage.”

“To my sister, Olivia.”

“You understand assignments are carried out. Failure to do so could result in dire consequences we both wouldn’t want. Your father has been reluctant to agree to the appointment, but it’s beyond time for your sister to fulfill this role.”

The board doesn’t make threats. They make examples. Every fraternity brother senior year had seen the tapes of mutilated corpses. Of duct-taped mouths and crying eyes begging for release while being tortured. We understood the risks.

Not following orders means you don’t live to follow any again. And the board would assign initiates to start with my sisters, or my mother, to make examples out of us to force my father’s hand.

But this second term of my agreement is one my father can’t see. My deal with Max only stands if I complete the president’s task—and that part I’ll handle alone. For Penelope Lynn Freidenberg.

The way the president says things seems hollow and I can’t help but feel as if there’s a hidden message I’m not clear on. I decide to formulate my own plan and go for the checkmate instead of sacrificing pawns.

“I agree. She would be a perfect match for him. She’s young and has a stellar reputation, as you’re aware. Their bond would last for decades in the political realm.”

“Yes, I’m exceedingly glad you seem to understand. But about your father?—”

“I’ll convince him. He’ll listen to me and let my sister marry him once he’s available and his short mourning period has passed.”

Harvey’s face forms an unreadable expression. Part of me wonders if it’s meant to make me think . I stand and grip the back of the chair before leaving.

“Not to worry, Mr. President. I always finish what I start.”

Leaning back in his chair, he spins the antelope carefully and smiles. “I do believe you will, Mr. Cardell. Tenebris invicti. ” Darkness is invincible?

Shaken and not knowing why he would say something similar to Theta Rho Zeta’s motto so loosely, I echo our usual response to the call. “ Tenebris unitas.” Darkness unites.

As far as I know, Harmen Harvey is not Theta . In fact, I’m not sure which fraternity he graduated from.

He only gives a small chuckle, as if I’m missing the punchline to a joke.

In the hall, my father paces, a wild look crossing his eyes. When I open my mouth, he presses a finger to his lips, reminding me to stay quiet.

Outside on the lawn, he glances over his shoulder, then proceeds to his black Bentley. We both slide inside, and he turns to me, a frantic expression covering his face that looks like a mirror of mine. “What did you promise?”

“Relax, old man. I got it.”

“Ryan, you need to let me in on what was said. I can help you.”

He starts the car and heads down the lane to the gate while I glance out at the bare October trees. A few leaves still cling to the branches, but the biting wind knocks them off in clusters. “No thanks. I just need my partner-in-crime.”

When he drops me off at my place, his silent ire floods the car. I wouldn’t give him any details about my plan or even mention what the president and I discussed. He’ll just have to be patient.

Elina’s standing outside of my door, giving the best impression of someone who looks shattered. Her blonde hair clings to her cheeks, wet with tears, and she has the gall to sniffle in front of me. Like she’s hurt.

Guess her father hasn’t told her everything yet.

My stomach churns, thinking about that last kiss we put on for the cameras. On the rooftop of Luminescence. I swiped at my mouth slyly as soon as no one was looking. Then chugged my bourbon to get the taste of her off my tongue.

Hiding the revulsion from having to hold her hand. Pretending to want her. Putting on the performance that the board demanded. Long enough to get them off Dad’s back.

Only long enough to keep our family alive…

I sidestep her and unlock the door, hurriedly waving her inside with no warmth. She flips around and narrows her blue eyes. “I heard some things…”

A clank cuts through the tense atmosphere when I drop my key in the bowl, then cross my arms and lean against the brick wall. “What did you hear?”

“That I’m not appointed to you any longer. But Daddy didn’t say why or to whom I’m supposed to be with now. Ryan, you can’t do this to me! I’ve posted pictures on Pixtagram already! What will I tell people? The engagement party is planned, for fuck’s sake!”

“Oh, E. Cheer up. You can use all of that with your new…well, familiar boy toy.”

Her eyes flash, as if she understands who I mean, but then she plays dumb. “What boy toy ?”

“Chase Warrick of Warrick Jewels. The guy you’ve been fucking for a year.”

With a tremble, her chin drops. “I…”

“Please spare me the excuses. Thank god we haven’t fully been together in two.”

“No, I… Not Chase,” she whispers to herself.

Part of me wonders if she doesn’t want him because he’s not as rich as me. Or that he’s not faithful. Does she know he fucks Iotas on the side? He’s also unattractive, skinny, and has a weird habit of snorting a laugh at himself whenever he says anything.

Still, the guy did me a solid when I’d approached him about the plan. He’s such a dolt; I’d convinced him Elina wanted him more than me. And he wanted to believe it. Like he’d stolen a Cardell’s prize . Even agreed to fake it a little longer until the appointments were finalized on paper.

Waving her off, I stroll into the apartment and flop on my couch like I don’t feel her fury burning behind me. “I did you two a favor. Now you can move to Verona and be a happy trophy wife and let him fuck his secretary in peace.”

She screws up her face, which reddens with anger. Twisting at her finger, she rips off the engagement ring and throws it at me. “Bastard! Here’s your fucking family ring back. It’s ugly anyway.”

I snatch it from the air mid-flight and hold it up for her with a smile. “Oh. That’s not mine… This is a Warrick family diamond, didn’t you know?”

It’s hard to hide the smirk overtaking my face. Chase thought Elina would see it, recognize it, and think he was coming to rescue her from me.

Walking slowly back toward her, I flip over her hand and place it in her open palm. Then, I whisper, “Better take this back to your fiancé. He’ll want to propose with it soon, he said.”

With a spin, I turn away and call out, “Tell him thanks for letting me borrow it for a moment. See you around.”

She slams the door as she leaves, and I relax with a sigh. Step one done.

Step two may be trickier…

Getting back to my pink cheeks.