Page 121 of Wicked Brutal

“I understand.”

He gestures toward the chair across from him. “Sit for a minute.”

My stomach tightens, but I pull out the chair and sit. Mom glances over from the counter before turning back to the cabinet. Dad takes a drink of coffee. “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending more time with Catherine O’Farrell.”

My fingers fold together in my lap. “Yes.”

“And Penelope MacHale.” His eyes remain on me. “Rebecca Carney.”

“Yes.”

He says their names differently than I do. Not Cat, Penny, and Becca. Their full names, like their families are attached even when he doesn’t say the rest out loud.

“There’s nothing wrong with having friends, Alison, but you need to be careful about who you associate yourself with. Especially at Edgewood. All three of those girls have families who’ve attracted a considerable amount of attention this year. That doesn’t necessarily make the girls themselves a problem, but it does mean you should be mindful of how closely you involve yourself.”

“They’re just my friends.”

“I know what they are.” There’s enough edge in his voice that I lower my eyes.

“Sorry.”

“Graduation isn’t far away. Your circumstances will be very different afterward. School friendships tend to feel more permanent than they actually are.” Something inside my chest tightens. He says it like Cat, Penny, and Becca are another part of Edgewood I’ll naturally leave behind with my uniform. “Victor has friends and associates with wives of their own. There will be women you’ll meet through him who are more appropriate to the life you’ll be living.”

I stare at my hands. “I like the friends I have.”

His coffee stops halfway to his mouth. “I didn’t say you couldn’t like them.”

“I know.”

“Then what exactly are you arguing with?”

“Nothing.” I lower my eyes again. “I’m sorry, sir.”

He sets his cup down. “You’ve been doing more of that lately.”

My stomach tightens. “Doing what?”

“Having something to say.” I don’t answer. Apparently that’s the right choice, because he doesn’t push. “Be careful who you allow to influence you.” He leans back slightly, watching me for another moment before the subject changes. “Now, about today.” There it is. “Victor rearranged his schedule because he wanted to have lunch with you. I expect you to appreciate that.”

“Of course.”

“You’ll be pleasant. You’ll listen when he speaks. If he asks your opinion, you may give it respectfully, but you will not argue with him simply because you don’t like what he says.”

“I won’t.”

“And when he shows you affection, you won’t behave as though he’s doing something inappropriate.” My eyes drop to my lap. “Alison.”

“I heard you.” His expression hardens. The words were out before I considered how they sounded. “I’m sorry. Yes, sir.”

“Victor is going to be your husband.”

“I know.”

“You’ve had years to accept that.”

“Yes, Father.”

“He has been patient because of your age and because I wanted you to finish school without unnecessary distractions. You should appreciate the consideration he’s shown you.”