I studied her.
Part of me wanted to laugh.
Part of me remembered the way Ares looked at me in Vegas.
Like he already knew exactly what I was.
I knew Ares always liked me and was willing to give up everything for me in the past. But fucking and dumping rich men used to be a sport for me. Now, I wondered if he already knew I would belong to him.
“And you’re just telling me that out of kindness?”
“I’m telling you because I raised him and know him better than any woman.”
I crossed my arms loosely. “I don’t trust your family.”
Genevieve didn’t hesitate.
“Neither do I. I don’t trust most of the Delacroix family,” she added calmly. “And I definitely don’t trust the Laveaus.”
That got my attention.
“Fascinating,” I said slowly.
Her mouth curved slightly. “Families like ours aren’t built on trust.”
“So what do you want?” I asked.
“I want you alive,” she said simply. “I want you clear-headed. I want you strong again. After that, what you choose is your business. But it can’t be a weak girl’s move. I need you to step into power and not be afraid.”
I studied her again.
She was genuine.
Mostly.
There was still motive underneath. Power always came with motive.
But she wasn’t lying.
“I’m not afraid of power,” I said.
“I know,” she replied. “You’re afraid of being owned.”
“I’m not property,” I said.
“You’re not, and I won’t let that happen. When I was seventeen,” she said, “I was pushed into a marriage I didn’t want.”
That made my eyes narrow slightly.
“I didn’t get saved quickly,” she continued. “So I recognize that look in your eyes.”
She stood slowly.
“Rest,” she said. “Eat. Get stronger. I will be back in a few days to check on you.”
She moved toward the door, then paused.
“You don’t have to like my son,” she said. “But don’t underestimate him.”
