Page 115 of Pretty Little Threats

The first morning we’re back, I head to JD Miller & Co to read over whatever Orion has found. My heart was in my throat when I slipped out of the house before Dare was done showering. The sneaking was necessary because I can’t look him in the eye and lie about why I’m going to JDMiller & Co. Until I’m sure whether I can trust him—and if I really am being played—I don’t want to say anything.

I desperately want to be wrong. Not only to save my pride, but because, for once in my life, I felt like I belonged. If everything was a lie...

My limbs feel heavy as I stride across the lobby floor, heels clacking on the marble slabs and body held tight. My mood darkens more when I spot a man standing in Irene’s place. It’s been weeks since I’ve seen her. She always says the perfect thing to brighten my day, and the delusional part of me thinks of her as a mother. She’s the only woman I’ve known my entire life who actually cares about me.

But Irene has her own life and her own family.

My delusions, it seems, are vast.

Forcing my brain to quiet, I shove every emotion into the box in the back of my mind. It takes a moment, since I’m out of practice, but eventually, the emotions bleed away and all that’s left is that familiar indifference, as if I’m seeing everything pass by me like a movie.

That numbness hurts less than the unease crawling over my skin, drawing blood prick by prick, a thousand little reminders of how right my dad was.

The elevator ride is short, and by the time I stride out of the carriage, I’ve found my way back to the Rose Miller I was before Dare ripped control away from me and made me embrace my feelings. Nodding at Ryan as I pass, I slip into my office, hoping to go unnoticed, and turn on my computer with trembling hands.

The email Orion sent is buried beneath reports and meeting minutes, but I find it within a few clicks and stare at the PDF attachment. I wanted to be alone when I read through it, far away from Dare’s house, where his cologneand presence messes with my mind. My stomach tightens, but I take a deep breath and ignore the jealous thoughts whispering through my mind. With shaking hands, I open the report.

Someone knocks.

I scowl when my door opens but force my features to smooth when Dad’s gaze meets mine. His approach is confident and sure. This is a man who’s never allowed his heart to rule.

Dad clears his throat. “I was surprised to see you. It’s been weeks.”

I lean back in my chair. “Things have been busy, between getting Futurum up and running and working through the files at Vista Holdings.”

Dad’s Armani suit is perfectly pressed. He perches on the edge of my desk, his gaze slipping to my monitor. I quickly close Orion’s file. Dad’s gaze cuts back to me in question, but I keep my face blank. My whole life, he’s controlled me, even coerced me into monitoring every thought and emotion, hiding it all behind who he wanted his daughter to be.But wasn’t it better than how I feel now?

Dad adjusts his cuffs. “Find anything yet?”

“No,” I admit. I was too busy letting Dare distract me.

“Rosalynn, you know what’s on the line,” he chastises, like I’m fifteen again and in need of reminding what happens when I do anything but what he has planned for me.

Why does he keep throwing it in my face? Is he eager to get rid of me? Frustration boils over. “Yes, you’ve reminded me again and again,” I snap.

The darkness clouding his features makes me instantly regret snapping at him. “I’ve been patient with you, but Iguess it’s time to give you proper motivation. I’m pulling the plug on Futurum until you get me what I need.”

“What? Dad, you can’t.” Futurum’s primary investors are in his pocket. I’ve made very little progress finding anyone outside his sphere of influence. Not only that, what about every artist that counts on the gallery? It’s not like they’d lose the rights to their work, but they might lose their hope and maybe that’s worse.

He arches a bushy, graying eyebrow. “I can and I will. I was told you spent the holiday on the beach.”

My hackles rise. “Are you spying on me?”

“How else am I supposed to keep you safe?” he asks.

How long has he been keeping tabs on me? What else does he know?

I’m getting really tired of the doubt and betrayal that’s plagued my life lately.

When will it stop? Can I ever just trust someone?

“Speaking of protection, I’m afraid I have bad news.” Dad sighs and shakes his head. “Dare came to see me.”

I rear back. Dare never told me that. “When?” I ask.

“A few weeks ago.” Dad searches my face. “He doesn’t love you, Rosalynn.”

Swallowing, I clench my jaw and lock it all away. “I don’t love him.”

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