“So, that’s why you’ve been testing your powers on her.”
“You’ve beenwhat?” Seven hisses.
“I haven’t broken the rules,” Dante says, giving Seven a look even as he leans threateningly over the desk.
“And yet it seems that you’re already testing how far you can bend them. Doesn’t seem fair, does it, Luci?”
“How exactly do you expect to go about training the girl?” I ask, ignoring Seven’s question.
Dante glances between Seven and me. He looks like he's been expecting this question, though I suppose he’s surprised I’m the one who brought it up first.
"As I know my father's ways best, I will do a majority of the training," Dante starts, Seven snorting in disgust as he pushes himself away from the desk.
"The fuck you will!"
Dante glares at him, slowly leaning forward before rising from his chair.
"Language, Seven … and the bloody hell I will," he growls, a low and threatening sound. "Now, if you'll let me continue, I'll explain why."
Seven's lip curls up at this, but he doesn't argue.
"As I was saying, I will do the majority of the training ... when it comes to control and obedience. However, I expect each of you to push her to her limits in other ways."
"Other ways?" I ask, my eyes narrowing on him.
"Yes. Seven, I want you to start training her to wield a blade."
"How the hell am I supposed to do that in less than a week?"
"She doesn't need to be an expert," I answer. "She must simply be able to defend herself, if needed."
"Ifneeded," he snorts. "Whenis more like it."
"Which is exactly why we need you to train her."
"She's so small, I doubt a blade will do her much good in most circumstances," Seven says, his fingers absentmindedly playing with the handle of a knife. "She'd be better off learning how to use his own attacks against him. Defense rather than offense."
"Well, I'll leave the exact methods up to you when it comes to fighting," Dante says. "As long as you abide by the rules."
"Remind me again, these rules apply to you as well, right?"
"Naturally," he responds, staring Seven down. "I realize your ...ourdesires will only grow stronger the more time we spend with her, and I expect there to be some level of sexual interaction, especially if you’re going to be channeling Valentine’s behavior. However, the girl is not to be hurt; at least, not beyond acceptable means. Absolutelynomating. Our scent on her must be natural, not invasive. Valentine needs to know the girl remains unclaimed by us, but notunwanted.She should have stories to tell, if he happens to ask. Is that understood?"
“So, to put it simply, no dicking around with her pussy.”
Dante pinches the bridge of his nose at Seven’s rather vulgar summation of his rules.
“I guess you could put it that way,” Dante sighs. “Anything else?”
Seven says nothing, but I dislike the way the corner of his mouth twitches at this.
"And what do you want me to do?" I ask, forcing my mind away from more intrusive trains of thought.
"You will train her to behave, preferably like a lady."
"Damn it, Dante," I scoff, gesturing toward myself. "Who the hell do you think I am? I don't know the first thing about being a lady."
"No, but given your history, you have the most experience when it comes to keeping a low profile. She needs to be able to move about without drawing suspicion.”