Page 141 of Glutton for Punishment

“I am.” I close my eyes.

“The Councilor will be disappointed,” the voice says at last. Then the line goes dead.

I lower the phone, dread settling into my chest. The thought of protecting her should provide me with some relief. Instead, all I can think about is what happens when powerful people realize you’re keeping secrets from them.

Chapter 42

Atticus

The hallway outside the advanced strategy wing is quiet enough that the sharp buzz of my phone echoes off the walls. I glance at the screen and immediately feel my jaw tighten.

Stepping closer to one of the tall arched windows overlooking the lower courtyards, I take a deep breath and answer the call.

“Father.”

“Atticus.” His voice arrives smooth and measured, carrying the same cold authority it always does. “I’m pleased to hear you’ve finally started exercising some good judgment.”

I already know where this conversation is going.

“Pathetic academy gossip is something I rarely care about,” he continues. “Still, I admit I was relieved to hear you are keeping your distance from the little sinless girl.”

The title lands exactly the way he intends it to. Even now, he insists on calling her sinless because it diminishes her. Because reducing people is one way that my father maintains control. My grip tightens around the phone as I just hum an acknowledgement.

I focus on the students moving between ivy-covered stone paths below.

“I don’t know why the universe cursed you with such a weak bond connection,” my father says calmly, “but the Willshire family does not bow to whims. Not even cosmic ones.”

There it is. The Willshires do not bend. And we certainly do not fall apart over girls from nowhere.

“I appreciate the check, father, but I can manage my own affairs,” I reply.

“I’m sure you believe that.” Papers shuffle on his end of the line. “Which brings me to the Autumn Gala...”

Of course, the Sinful Sinfall Gala. There’s no public event my arrogant father would miss an opportunity to show off status.

“I’ve arranged for Daphne Langley to accompany you.”

Oh, hell no. I’m having a hard enough time keeping her hands off me. Camille is even worse.

“You arranged a date for me? Like a child?” I ask.

“I arranged a strategic opportunity. And a brilliant one at that.”

Closing my eyes, I take a deep, calming breath.

“I don’t need a date. I promise you, I carry enough status to remind these sheep who I am.”

“Nonsense. The academy is watching everything you do right now. Rumors surrounding your attachment to the Davies girl have already spread further than I would like. This is a chance to strengthen alliances, remind the other factions where your loyalties belong, and present a more appropriate image.”

A more appropriate image…

“She is from excellent stock,” Father continues. “Beautiful. Intelligent. Well-connected. She is the perfect representative to stand by the heir of Pride.”

The bond in my chest twists painfully.

“You will escort Daphne Langley to the gala,” he says. “You will smile for the sheep, dance with her publicly, and put an end to these embarrassing whispers surrounding you and that girl. It’s time to prove she means nothing to you.”

Anger presses hot beneath my ribs. “I’m not interested in Daphne.”