Page 285 of Wicked Brutal

“That seems rude.”

“He’s a T-Rex.”

Right. Obviously. I manage a smile and keep walking.

“Alison.” Dad’s voice carries from his office.

My smile disappears. I smooth my skirt, adjust the strap of my bag, and walk toward him.

Victor is sitting across from Dad’s desk. For one second, I stop. Only one. Then Thursday flashes through my head — Tobias crying, Dad’s hand around my arm, my mother hitting the floor. You will do what you’re told. I know exactly what happens if I don’t.

So I smile. “Victor!”

His attention moves to me. I don’t wait for him to stand before crossing the room. By the time he does, I’m already there, sliding my arms around his neck. His surprise lasts half a second. Then his hands settle at my waist. I kiss his cheek. Sweet. Warm. Happy to see him. Exactly what I’m supposed to be.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming.”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“You did.” I lean back enough to look at him. His eyes move over my face. I keep smiling. “Should I be worried?”

“About?”

“Surprise visits.” I glance at Dad. “They usually mean one of you has decided something about my life without consulting me.”

Dad’s expression changes immediately. Victor laughs. Good.

“See?” I say to Victor. “I knew I should be worried.”

“You’re becoming suspicious.”

“I’m becoming experienced.”

“Alison.” Dad’s warning comes from behind me.

I ignore it carefully. Victor doesn’t.

His thumb moves once against my waist. “I have changed something.”

“Of course you have.”

“Friday.”

My smile almost slips. Almost. “What about Friday?”

“We’re leaving.”

My heartbeat trips. “Friday?”

“I thought we’d make a trip of it before Switzerland.”

“A trip?”

“A few days together. Shopping. Dinner. Perhaps Geneva first. Wherever we decide to go.”

Wherever. Bella’s voice comes back so clearly I could swear she’s standing beside me. Switzerland isn’t the cage. It’s the first stop.

Victor smiles. “I’ve been told I haven’t done nearly enough spoiling.”