Page 102 of Colton

“Against what?” I push back. “What exactly do you think you can do to me, Steven?”

“You and I both know you’re not as untouchable as you think, Colton.”

“Neither are you,” I drawl. “You’re aware of how much I know. And you won’t risk it, would you?”

His jaw clenches, eyes narrowing into slits. He takes a sharp intake of breath, and I can tell he’s at his limit. His posture is rigid, and if it weren’t for the obvious difference in strength, I’ve no doubt he’d try to strike me.

“Even still, you know that I have to do something. The board expects it, and some parents are pressing me to take action, Colton. I can’t overlook this just because it’s you.”

“I’m aware,” I nod. “Which is why I’ve brought you this.”

He raises a brow when he sees me pull an envelope out of my inner pocket. I slide it over the desk, and he’s reluctant to take it. Then, he sighs and opens the envelope, reading through the words carefully.

His brows narrow, then lift to his hairline, only to narrow again. His hands clench around the piece of paper, slightly trembling. His eyes snap to mine, and I can’t tell if he’s angry or, rather, shocked by the outcome.

“No,” he says sternly. “I don’t accept this.”

“What else is there?” I shrug. “The board and the parents won’t allow this to be swept under the rug, unless you want retaliation of some sort. This is the most efficient way for everyone to be satisfied.”

“I just told you, you’re supposed to be promoted to the headmaster once I retire,” he says, words laced with venom.

“I never agreed to that,” I state bluntly. “There are other options, and you seem to forget I’m not the only St. James in the running.”

Dahlia, as much as she hates being too involved, wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to become someone important within the society, as long as it aligns with what she wishes. Being the headmaster would grant her everything she could ever dream of and more, and although I haven’t discussed this with her yet, there’s no reason she wouldn’t accept.

“Dahlia?” He blinks. “You think she’d want this? And even if she wanted this, you don’t think I’ll have the pushback, given the fact that it’s your sister?”

“Yes, but since you don’t plan on retiring for at least another two years, it’s more than enough time for this incident to settle.”

He takes a deep breath, then lowers the paper onto the desk.

“Are you sure about this? Once it’s filed, there’s no going back.”

“I’m certain,” I slowly rise from the chair. “I’ll empty my office by the end of the week.”

From the moment I started loving Avalon, I knew I’d resign once she graduated. Between my business, being the mayor of Saint Valley, and everything in between, I’d spend more time away from her than with her. It’s not happening, not now, not ever.

Now that I’ve handled what I had to handle with Steven, I can go and get my girl. Because I’ve kept her waiting for way too long, and there’s no chance in hell I’m spending another day without her.

She’s yet to return my calls, but from what Sophia told me, they spoke, and I know that she’s at home, safe and sound.

Soon enough, she’ll be back where she belongs, in my arms.

40

Emilia, my younger sister, is sitting next to me on the floor of my bedroom. She’s half doing her homework, half trying to catch up with me. We haven’t seen each other since the holidays, and she doesn’t text me often while I’m on campus. In her words, she prefers not to disturb me.

“I know something’s going on,” she says, scribbling down her homework. I peer over her shoulder, wincing at the memory of me doing that very same homework when I was her age. I loathe math, but seeing just how effortlessly she does it makes me proud. “Mom thinks she’s being subtle, but she’s tense. What’s happening, Ava?”

“Nothing for you to worry about,” I ruffle her hair and she whips her head to face me, furious.

“Firstly, I’m not a kid,” she says, and I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. She fixes her hair, tucking it behind her ears. “And secondly, I’m not a moron. You did something, did you?”

The teasing tone in her voice makes me snort. Ever since the talk — if I can even call it that — with Mom this morning, everything’s been… uneasy. I know Mom needs time to adjust to this, and the fact that she’s going to tell Dad once he gets home from work is what’s bothering me.

Usually, Dad’s always on my side. But when I fuck up? He steps away. He’s too soft on all of his children, which made all the discipline in our younger years fall on Mom’s shoulders. Was it fair? No, but dad’s a softie, with the biggest heart I’ve ever known.

“Emma,” I sigh. “I didn’t do anything too stupid. I didn’t commit a crime or anything like that. I just did something, and well, there are consequences.”