Page 7 of Corrupt Me

What are you two hiding?I am going to find out.

I slip out unnoticed, but then a red dot appears on my chest, vanishing as soon as I look up. My phone rings, and I pick up.

“Hello, son. You would have just left without greeting your old man?”

“I didn’t want to disturb your date night. How did you know?” My father is in a relationship with Kaden’s mother, Christine. But if he’s happy, I am too.

“We installed motion sensors around the perimeter. Be prepared for everything.”

“It was a spontaneous decision.”

I walk to the Prescott mansion to meet with my father. It’s now completely renovated after being left to rot—a warning to other members that they, too, could be eliminated if they didn’t stay in line.

When I reach him, he digs a finger into my temple. “Focus. Never let your emotions get the best of you. Felix is driven.”

My jaw clenches, determination pumping through me. “I am more driven.”

He cocks his head, analyzing my every micro-expression. “And very emotional. Does that have anything to do with—”

“No. The mission comes first. I don’t have the time, desire, or whatever else you think I feel for her.” I storm away, irritated by the smirk on his face, implying there’s more. There isn’t, and there won’t be.

I should focus on this piece of information and relish the fact that I can put all my energy into uncovering whatever is behind Bailey’s birth that has her parents panicking.

The moment I am inside the college house, Celine jumps out from my side, attacking me.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I grumble, tackling her.

“Wanted to see if your guard is still on point.” She grins at me as she wiggles to free herself.

“It’s a wonder Kaden let you out of his sight.”

She jabs an elbow into my ribs and rolls over. “Har, har. So where were you?”

Not in the mood to keep fighting, I stand up, shrugging. “Training.”

“Why are you still so tense, then?” she asks, suddenly serious as she gets up.

“Because Felix is out there while you play house.”

She approaches me and puts her hands on my chest. Her brown hair is pulled up in a ponytail, and her dark blue eyes fill with sympathy. “Hunter, it’s okay. This isn’t only your responsibility. It won’t help any of us if we just stop living. That fucker will never take anything else from us.”

“Bailey—”

Celine sighs. “You watch over her 24/7, and when you don’t, you have us doing it…”

“Because she’s fragile and too damn delicate.” Too bloody precious.

“Are you getting soft, then? I remember you striking me during training; I’m surprised I still have all my teeth.”

“You could take it. The talk is over.”

“Okay, Mister Grumpy. You won’t be able to hide forever,” she calls after me.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say over my shoulder.

I can’t stand her secretive smile, so I go straight to my room and find my sister waiting inside.

“Did you tire of the asshole already?” I ask jokingly.

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