I assumed I was supposed to follow so I did.
Abraham stormed down two gray carpeted flights of stairs. I kept my gaze on my feet and my hand on the metal railing as we descended. A test of strength and reflexes seemed pretty straightforward. But I didn’t know what those other measures he mentioned would be.
Abraham pulled up short on the next landing. I threw my hand up, palm slapping against his chest to keep from running into him with a full-body press.
Not that I’d mind getting him in a full-body press.
Yes, I was still thinking those kinds of things about him.
“This is not the time to be foolish,” he said.
Apparently he was not thinking those kinds of things about me.
“Again with calling me a fool. You know that’s no way to sweet-talk a girl.”
“I understand you have history with House Black,” he said.
“No. I havemurderand dead parents with House Black.”
“Matilda.” He wiped his hand over his face. “Listen to me.” He took a step backward so there was room between us. “You need to know what’s going to happen. Right now.”
“All right.” I crossed my arms and leaned my hip against the rail. “I’m listening.”
“This is more than a test of strength. They are going to be watching you so they can bid on you.”
“House Gray and House Black?” I asked.
“Every House. By the time we enter that room, the head of every House will be present in some manner. And since you haven’t signed on with House Gray, you will have no say in who claims you.”
“What? No. Why did you do this? Why did you tell them you would test me?”
“It was either that or have House Black claim you with no display.”
“He can do that?”
“Currently? Yes. After the gathering, some debts between our Houses will fall away. But right now, Black has more power than Gray.”
“I am not working for Black. Not ever.”
“Black might not win the bid,” he said. “There are other Houses that have more power. Blue, for certain. Perhaps Yellow.”
“No,” I said. “My life isn’t going to be taken away from me by aperhaps.” I turned and jogged up the stairs.
“Where are you going?”
“The contract is in my room.”
“You’re expected. We’re expected. In the training hall.”
“Well, they’ll have to expect me a little late.”
I had put an entire flight between us before I heard him cuss quietly, then pound up the stairs after me.
“This is a stupid idea,” Abraham snarled as we jogged across the living room area. “A foolish, foolish move.”
“I thought you wanted me in House Gray.” I opened the door and rushed into the ridiculously fancy suite. I stopped, turned a slow circle.
Where had I left the contract?
