“Her records came back clear in all of the searches. Are you sure this isn’t some extension of your vendetta against her?”
He slams his hands on the table. “Fuck her. I haven’t thought of Vivian as anything more than a hole to shove my dick into when I’m bored since her return. She does not affect me. That ship sailed long ago.”
I want to believe him. I know he considers himself over her. He might no longer love her, but she’s definitely had a lasting impact on him, and that’s evident by his inability to be vulnerable ever again.
A notification on my phone cuts my attention. Reaching in my pocket, I pull out the device and see it’s a message from Coop. He’s got the last piece of information I’ve been waiting for.
I guess Sebastian isn’t the only one haunted by his past.
Ignoring the message, I finally respond, “Okay, I’ll look into Vivian more thoroughly, and Wyatt will handle the law firm.”
All in agreement, we stand, heading for the door when Wyatt stops. He turns to face Wes, and I see the mischievousness glint in his eyes, a smirk quirking his lips.
“Enjoy your date with Samantha tomorrow, asshole.” Wyatt chuckles as he exits the room. We all join him, laughing over Wes’s loud groans of protest.
29
WES
If there’s ever a reason to fucking hate the Selection process, it’s this. I can’t believe I have to take Samantha on a date.
Looking at my watch, I notice I’m half an hour late.I wish I could postpone this forever.
I hop out of the car, huffing at what dumb shit she’ll have planned for tonight.
When the Fraternitas told us we had to go on dates, they didn’t say anything about having to be the ones to plan anything. So, I told Sam to pick something and let me know the time and place. She wasn’t getting shit out of me.
Walking up the steps, I pull open my door and stride toward the stairs, only to be stopped by my mother.
“Wesley, I thought you were already here,” her soft voice brings a smile to my face.
Changing direction, I make my way over to where she stands, donning a blue-gray terry cloth sweat suit. She must be headed for the entertainment room. It’s the only time she’ll wear anything remotely set for lounging.
I bend to meet her, my frame towering over hers, and kiss her cheek. “What made you think I was home? I haven’t been here all day.”
Standing back to my full height, I catch the look of uncertainty in her eyes. “I could’ve sworn I saw your Selection pick go upstairs about an hour ago,” she confesses.
It’s my turn to be puzzled. “Maybe it was one of the staff. I’m meeting Sam at the diner.”
She looks like she’s about to argue further but thinks better of it. “Perhaps you’re right. My head has been hurting me.”
I feel the lines in my forehead crease, worry knitting my brows. “Are the headaches back? What did the doctor say?” I rapid fire. Hoping she still has a clean bill of health. I’m going to be even more late meeting Sam, but again she can wait.
My mother brushes off my concern, “I’m fine. It’s just been a long day. Go get ready. You know how miserable that brat can be if you keep her waiting.”
“Sam can wait until she turns to ash. Your health is always the most important thing to me.”
Reaching up, her small, delicate palm claps my face. “You’ve always been a good boy Wesley, I’m sorry you couldn’t be born to simpler circumstances, but heavy is the head that wears the crown.”
I’m about to ask her what she means by her cryptic words, but she shoos me along, refusing to entertain any of my questions.
Finally, I make my way upstairs, taking the steps two at a time. My feet carry me until I stop and notice my door is slightly ajar.
Moving my hand to the door, I push it open and see a very naked Samantha spread eagle on my bed.
For fuck’s sake. Now I’m going to have to burn my bed.
“What the hell are you doing in my house?” I bark
