Cally’s smile grows slow and bright.“You’re not a prize.”
Her eyes narrow, because she knows he’s about to say something worse.
“You’re a lifestyle,” Cally adds cheerfully.
I swear I feel my soul leave my body.
Vesper’s jaw drops.“A lifestyle?”
Cally nods like he’s proud of it.“Expensive.High-maintenance.Worth it.”
“Okay,” Vesper says, too calm.“I’m going to commit a felony.Harvey, do you have a lawyer for that too?”
Harvey doesn’t even blink.“Several.I’ll be a witness if needed.”
Vesper pushes off the chair, swaying slightly.
I’m there instantly, one hand hovering near her waist without touching her unless she asks.
Cally is there too, too close, too ready.
She turns toward the hallway.“Dad?”
Philippe’s voice comes from the doorway, rough and stubborn.“Go.”
Vesper freezes.
“Dad—”
“Go,” he repeats, louder this time, like he’s anchoring her with the word.“I’ve got help.I need you to be okay.”
“I’m coming back,” she says, voice thick.
“I know,” Philippe answers.“Now go get your stuff.And eat something.You look like hell.”
Vesper laughs, but it breaks.“Thanks, you’re always making me feel special.”
“Love you, kiddo,” he says, hugging her.
“Love you,” she says back, and it sounds like a promise she’s afraid she won’t get to keep.
In the foyer, Cally brushes past me.His shoulder hits mine on purpose.It’s not hard, but not subtle either.
I catch him by the sleeve before I can talk myself out of it.
He halts, turns.His eyes flash with something pleased and reckless.
“You going to hit me?”he asks softly, like he wants it.
My hand tightens, then loosens.
“No,” I say.
His grin curves.“Then what?”
I stare at his mouth for half a second too long.
His lips part slightly, like he’s aware of it, like he’s daring me to do something stupid.I release him with a shove that’s just enough to be a warning.
