Page 155 of Hide and Keep

But I know.

With Crue out of sight, Edwin finally steps forward.

“Miss Munreaux, your father would like a word.”

“I’m busy,” I try halfheartedly.

“He insists.”

Doesn’t he always?

I follow the valet to my father’s office.

My father’s eyes don’t move from mine as I sit in front of his desk. He doesn’t speak right away either, choosing to swivel his head side to side, letting the unease build.

I try not to let it even though I am guilty of a lot of things, most of them enough to send my father into a rage. That’s part of the reason why I do them.

“Explain to me what happened last night.”

I figured it was only a matter of time before I’d be punished for that.

“I had a great time with Mallory. I feel I really got to know—”

“Why did you disappear so suddenly?”

“As I tried telling you last night, I didn’t feel well, and—”

“The executive protection agent accompanied you home?”

“Per your mandate, he accompanies me every—”

“How did he know you weren’t feeling well?”

Why does he keep asking me questions if he isn’t even going to let me answer?

“I informed my bodygu—”

“How? I sent him on a break.”

That is news to me considering he only left my side for…

That’s why he disappeared. Father made him. He didn’t willingly leave me at all.

“I texted him when it became clear I wouldn’t be able to continue the—”

“Why did Mr. Larson seem to think it was a matter of security?”

“I felt that was a much more appropriate excuse—”

“You should’ve had Mr. Larson take you home then. Did he offer to?”

“I can’t remember. I wasn’t—”

“Feeling well? Yes, you’ve stated that al—”

“I wasn’t interested in shitting myself in front of him,” I snap, sick to death of not only being interrogated but also talked over. Even if everything I’m saying is false, I still deserve the chance to speak uninterrupted. “I’m sure even you can agreethatwould’ve made a terriblefirst impression, no?”

Silent now, he resumes the scrutiny meant to intimidate me.

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