Page 125 of Conform
“Accept the contract, procreate with the Minor, and protect her. She accepted William,” Phillip continued, his voice quiet like he felt Gregory’s pain too. “She didn’t even hesitate when the contract was presented. Think of Timothy.”
“He’s at the Academy now. You know Katherine wants me nowhere near him.”
“You have to let this go. Your contract will be official and approved by dawn. A public Courting and cohabitation. Accept this. Don’t neglect your role again.”
There was no cordial end to the conversation, just footsteps leading away. Hal and I waited in silence, making sure they were gone. Hal finally opened the door.
“You should go out alone. Go down the hall and back into the room,” Hal whispered. “I will come by your office soon. Go. I have kept you for too long.”
Before I could protest, Hal gently pushed me out of the closet.
I stood in the hallway, suddenly feeling cold and completely alone. I debated going back into the closet and never leaving. Hal was right, though. I had been gone too long. I took a steadying breath, shoving all the conflicting emotions away. It seemed Lo would have her contract, but I found no joy in being able to tell her.
“Little sister,” Gregory drawled from the shadows. I whipped my head to find Gregory leaning against the wall.
“Gregory,” I exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” Gregory said as he dragged his eyes over me.
“Collin told me to stay here. I found the Elite to be too much,” I told him.
“In a hidden hall? That leads to a service quarter?” Gregory pushed off the wall, crossing his arms. “Was it all the Elite, or just some of them?” Those blue eyes flicked to the concealed door behind me. “Or do you miss your kind?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Hmm, it would appear I am not the only family fuckup after all,” Gregory drawled. “I assume it isn’t Collin in that closet. Doesn’t seem his style.”
“I don’t know what you’re going on about,” I repeated, my heart racing. I prayed Hal stayed put. “I have to get back. Collin said he would find me later.” I stepped toward the ballroom doors.
“Before you do, you should probably fix your lipstick and your hair.” My hand flew to my hair. “Even then, I think the gown is a lost cause,” Gregory practically taunted from behind me.
I looked down. The sheer skirt of my gown was devastatingly wrinkled. Panic hit me hard as I whirled to Gregory.
“Gregory, I—I—” I stammered, attempting to smooth my skirts. “What are you doing?” I demanded as he pulled out his Comm Device. “Gregory, what are you doing?”
He finished typing a message and put his Comm Device away. “The only way out is through the ballroom, up the stairs.”
“I can’t go in there like this,” I sputtered, terrified.
Gregory moved closer to me. “Emeline, it will be okay. May I?” I nodded mindlessly. Gregory rubbed his thumb quickly along the side of my mouth and chin. “Okay, that’s better. Don’t move.” He slowly and expertly adjusted pins and tucked curls away. “Wear your hair down next time.”
My heart sank at why he knew that as he stepped away.
His Comm Device dinged, and he quickly read a message. “Okay, Phillip got a Pod. I told him I found you upset and intoxicated. I am going to put my arm around you, and we will walk quickly through. Do not stop for anyone. Phillip is telling Collin I am getting you home. Ready?”
“Why are you doing this?” I asked, the knot in my throat returning.
“Because we cannot help who we care for.” He looked behind me. “I did not know I had a little sister for too long. This is what a brother should do.” He put an arm around my waist to pretend to hold me up. “That and pummel whoever the fuck didn’t think about your damn safety.”
Blinking away tears, I choked out, “You’re a hypocrite.”
A chuckle rumbled through him. “Yes, well, I cannot be perfect. Let’s get you out of here.” I leaned into Gregory as he whispered, “Don’t look up.”
Time collapsed upon itself as Gregory guided me through the ballroom. My frantic heartbeat drowned out the idle chatter of everyone around us.
I glanced up only once to see Collin with a woman in a red dress standing close to him, her hand on his chest. My stomach filled with lead as shock ripped through me. When had he returned?
Gregory ushered me into the waiting Pod as footsteps hurried after us. I looked up to see Nora holding my clutch. I had forgotten all about it. I looked down again as Gregory turned to intercept her.
