Page 3 of Princess of Pride
I fumble to yank on my nightshirt, shocked that Dad’s here and that he caught me. Had Leo known what I’d been up to?
With his back to me, Dad shakes his head. “You will be punished for this.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmur, my chin trembling from the verbal lashing I’m about to get. Never in my life have I been so mortified.
Dad turns and stares down at me with a look of disgust. “I’m going to explain this in a way you understand.” He walks closer until he’s towering over me. “Your mother was supposed to do this when you were thirteen but, as with most things, she dropped the ball. Hear me now, Emery, and hear me good. No boy or man will ever want you for more than sex or your money. You will only ever be one or the other to them. so you will be neither until I say so. You will not test the waters and explore. You will save yourself for marriage—a man of my choosing who is worthy of being a part of the Spencer name. For that to happen, you must remainpure. A virgin. No reputable man wants used goods for a wife. You’re no good to this family if you’re tainted. Do you understand?”
I nod, willing to agree to anything just to get thishorrific moment over so I can return to my room and hide under my covers until the day I die.
“Remember this moment, Emery,” Dad scowls. “Remember the shame and these words. Every move you make in the future will be watched. Any time you do anything like this with a boy again, I’ll know, and I’ll end it in the most humiliating way for both of you. Is that clear?”
“Yes,” I whimper and wipe tears from my cheeks.
“Is thatclear?” he roars again through gritted teeth.
“Yes, sir!” I reply as loudly as I can on the verge of sobbing, my body shaking with fear.
“Good. Now pack your things.”
“What? Why?” Is he kicking me out? Oh god. I should never have done this.
“I’m enrolling you in an all-girls boarding school in Vermont where there are no boys for miles. You’ll leave first thing in the morning.” He turns his back and walks away as I sit there in shock, terrified over the night’s events.
Why does Pippa get to stay? I want to ask. She flirts endlessly and kisses boys all the time.
But that’s all she does. Two kisses are her limit. She’s the biggest tease in school. It’s partly why all the boys want her—because they can’t have her.
They even make bets about what guy will be the first to touch her boobs or see her topless. She loves it too. That’s why Dad will never send her away. She follows orders and doesn’t do anything more than what Dad will allow. I think he even likes that she’s desired but no boy can have her. It makes her more appealing for his future plans. Which daughter will get him the best opportunity and benefit the family business the most. That’s all that matters.
LACHLAN
There are two kinds of people in this world.
- Those wholove.
- And those whocontrol.
Loveis the most efficient form of destruction. I’ve seen itturn strength into sacrifice and leave nothing but grief in its place. People will die for it. And worse—live with the wreckage it leaves behind.
Controlis different. Itkeeps you sharp. Distant. In command. It protects what’s yours and delivers what you want.It doesn’t ask. It takes.
The two cannot co-exist.
One weakens. The other wins.
So I choose control. Over my actions. My emotions. My empire.And my world.
Love is the ultimate reaper. It steals your breath, your heart, and in the end, your fucking soul.
1
CELTIC TATTOO
Six years later
Emery, 21
Lachlan, 27
