“That’s none of your concern.” Eli points a finger at the house. “Go.”
I frown at him. “Can’t I know what’s happening with Mr. Parker?”
“We do not say that name here.”
“You meanIcan’t say that name.”
“That’s correct.”
I raise my hands the way Zia used to. “Mr. Parker kidnapped me and killed someone I love. Why can’t I know what’s happening?”
Eli’s gaze is steely. “Because I say so.”
“But that’s not fair!”
“I decide what’s fair. Go to your room.”
My mouth falls open. He’s sending me to bed like I’m a little girl. “No! I know important stuff. You shouldwantto talk with me.”
“And yet I don’t. Walk to the East Wing or be dragged to the cage. That is your choice.”
I shift my weight sideways, dangerously close to stamping my foot. I don’t know why I can’t let this go, just be grateful that Eli is treating me nicely. But now that I’m here, standing at the steps of Velvet House, I’m furious at being dismissed like a helpless victim. Like the girl I was before. “Let me come to your meeting!”
Bobby winces. “Careful, JJ.”
I ignore him. “I’m not your prisoner anymore,” I tell Eli. “And you just kissed me.”
Eli’s nostrils flare. “And?”
“And you obviously still want to sleep with me. And if I’m old enough to sleep with, I’m old enough to talk to.”
“Je-sus,” Bobby mutters.
Doc gives a low whistle. “Give her to me, Morelli. I’ll deal with her.”
Eli doesn’t do that. Instead, his face relaxes into a smooth blankness that’s even scarier than anger.
He takes a step toward me and the bright morning sunshine seems to dim. “Get upstairs or what Parker planned to do to you will look like a trip to heaven in comparison.”
I should be afraid. Terrified. But up-close Eli’s skin is sallow, and he has shadows under his eyes. I don’t think he’s slept. I’m pretty sure he’s spent the night pacing Velvet House, worrying about the three of us and Adriano. My anger is still thrumming through me, but in the face of Eli’s worry, I give in and turn on my heels.
“Good girl,” Eli says in an icy voice. “Shower and dress appropriately for dinner.”
My anger resurges. I raise my middle finger over my shoulder.
Bobby groans and Doc makes a noise like an angry dog. “Disrespectful, spoiled little…”
“Enough,” Eli barks.
I expect him to come after me, push me to the ground and punish me. But I walk into Velvet House unimpeded, though the skin on the back of my neck tingles.
And what is wrong with all of them?
And what is wrong with me?
Chapter Six
Eli Morelli
