Not only because I couldn’t graduate on time but also because there was no way that I could afford it without a scholarship. But turns out, I not only got in — thanks to the generosity of one Homer Davidson, who convinced my parents to apply on my behalfandgot me accepted even though it was too late to even apply — but now I don’t even need a scholarship to go. Because recently, we came into a lot of money.
Again courtesy of Homer Davidson.
He said that it was a reward for my parents’ hard work and a graduation present for me. He said that my future shouldn’t have to suffer for one mistake that I made two years ago. That he had full faith that I’d learned my lesson and that I’d go on to do great things.
Which means I leave for NYU in four weeks.
Or so my parents think.
Reign’s face has gone completely blank. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You do,” I tell him, looking into his eyes. “You know all about what I’m talking about. You’re the only one who knew about my NYU plans and the only one who had the means to do anything about it. Oh, and let’s not forget about your legendary guilt. About everything. Because apparently, the whole world revolves around youandsits on your shoulders. Despite me very recently telling you differently.”
“I —”
“You put all of that together,” I raise my chin, interrupting him yet again and oh my God, it’s the best feeling in the world. “And add it to the fact that everyone knows how much you hated your father and his company — for good reason — but you’re working there anyway, makes me think that there’s a connection between the two. So we can argue about it all night if you want, or you could just tell me the truth.”
I know I’m not wrong.
Iknowthere’s a connection.
Just like there was a connection between me vandalizing his room and him getting disowned.
I hear his long breath all the way over here, across the room where I’m standing. Then, “Fine. You cracked the code. Congratulations.”
Shit.
I was afraid of that.
“And he…” I suppress the rousing dread, “asked you to work with him?”
He gives me a curt nod. “For a year.”
“What?”
This is not good.
This is a freaking disaster.
I don’t want him to work in a place where he doesn’t want to. Now that I know the truth about his dad, who knows how his brother is. Who knows what kind of a man he’s grown up to be and if Reign is safe with him. I mean, I know he’s physically safe but what about emotionally and…
“My brother’s okay,” he says, breaking into my thoughts.
It doesn’t escape my notice that yet again, we’re so in tune that he knows what I’m thinking. And yes, it does make me want to punch him again. But I have other problems that need my attention more.
“Y-you sure?”
Sighing, he nods. “He’s not like… him. Not in the ways that you’re thinking. He’s annoying though, but not…”
“Evil?”
“No.”
“You promise?”
His jaw clenches.
I know if he promises that what he’s telling me is true, I can trust it.