Page 88 of Cruel Hearts

Maxwell drew back and tilted my head up, so our gazes locked. “At some point in the future, you need to sue them for your inheritance.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Why? So I can get blood money?”

“No,” said Kendrick. “But it’s the best way to strike at them where it hurts.”

“Maybe.” A sigh heaved from my chest, and I stepped out of Maxwell’s embrace. “But I want to earn my money, not have it handed to me on a silver platter.”

Orlando shook his head. “Just think about it. No one’s telling you to give up your dreams and live on their wealth.”

I shrugged. “Anyway, I’m going back to Mr. Burgh to tell him what I know about the cocaine.”

Maxwell placed a kiss on my lips. “I’ll walk you back.”

Orlando placed his hand on Maxwell’s shoulder. “I’ll help you escort Lilah.”

To Maxwell’s credit, he didn’t complain when Orlando joined us. And later, when we stood at the doorstep, they both took turns giving me toe-curling kisses that had me panting for more.

* * *

The next Friday night, Mr. Burgh told me to triple-check that no one had left anything dubious in my room because there would be an inspection early on Saturday morning before the Glasgow weekend. I only told Gideon and the knights in case Elizabeth had decided to target one of them.

On Saturday morning, the only members of staff sitting at the head table were Miss Martin and Mrs. Harper, the Home Economics teacher. We sat around our table, munching slices of toast and waiting for someone to appear and address the school.

“What do you think is happening?” I asked in a low voice.

“I suspect everyone who got caught is revealing their accomplices,” said Maxwell. “Mr. Burgh is a bit more lenient on those who give quick confessions.”

I worried at my bottom lip with my teeth.

Orlando, who sat on my right, placed a hand on my arm. “What’s wrong?”

“Herbert and Williams were scholarship students. What if they get expelled?”

“From my understanding, the bursaries are enough to cover all school expenses plus allowances for the tuck shop and Glasgow weekends,” said Gideon. “One cannot use financial hardship to justify the distribution of tainted food.”

“Do you think they knew the special ingredient in the curry?” Kendrick asked Gideon.

“Probably not, but it was a foolish endeavor. Anyone who has attended the academy for long enough knows that girls associated with Elizabeth end up expelled.” Gideon raised an eyebrow at Maxwell and Orlando, who both exchanged uncomfortable glances.

I spread a pat of butter over my toast and added a blob of lemon marmalade. “At least you know what it feels like to get into trouble for lewd conduct.”

Orlando shuddered. “Please, don’t remind me. I still can’t get my grandfather’s rants out of my head.”

Gideon turned to me with his brows raised, and I gave him a wink to let him know I’d tell him later. So far, Maxwell and Orlando hadn’t mentioned seeing Gideon crossdressing in Wank. But any mention of the ass-fucking-obsessed grandfather might turn the conversation around to Gideon’s relationship with Lachlan.

“What’s everyone doing tonight?” I asked.

Gideon brought his cup to his lips. “I’m staying with friends in Glasgow.”

I raised my brows. With all the shit going on with Elizabeth, I’d forgotten to ask whether Gideon had come to terms with his Christmas ménage. His going to their apartment was a good sign.

“We’ve booked a suite in the Glaswegian,” said Maxwell. “Do you want to come?”

I narrowed my eyes at his pronunciation of the last word. “Is there space for one more?”

Orlando grinned. “There’s always space for you, Lilah.”

My gaze flickered to Maxwell, who grinned from across the table. Kendrick kept a stony expression, but I think that was him trying to play things cool. Raising a shoulder, I said, “Why not?”