Page 213 of A Vicious Love

I took a long drag from my cigarette and turned back toward the storm because looking at her dress too long would lead to crime.

“Dinner is canceled,” I said.

“I heard.”

She reached the bottom step. Moving carefully, though she tried to hide it.

I hated every person who helped train that into her.

Several of them were related to her. That complicated dinner.

More reason to keep the storm.

“I’m arranging additional weather,” I said.

She stopped halfway into the lounge. “Additional weather?”

“Yes.”

Her gaze moved to Reeves, then back to me. “What does that mean?”

“It means I am investigating whether Crow holdings have enough influence over the regional grid to extend this storm.”

“For how long?”

“Three weeks.”

Reeves closed his eyes for one second.

Sienna stared at me. Then she looked outside, where lightning flashed over the lake and rain slapped the terrace in silver sheets.

“You want it to rain for the entire retreat?”

“Want is a shallow word.”

“Jamison.”

“What?”

“This is my summer vacation.”

The storm suddenly felt less perfect.

Annoying.

Emotional growth had arrived uninvited.

Reeves put the tablet down. “Crow administrative authority cannot be used to destroy Miss Bellemere’s holiday because you dislike group dining.”

“I dislike many things.”

“I am aware, sir.”

“Group dining ranks high.”

“Sienna’s vacation ranks higher.”

I turned my head slowly. “Did you just rank my priorities for me?”