“Absolutely,” she says, though it sounds painful for her to agree.
I pat the table in victory and lob my arm over her shoulders, giving her a firm, dominant squeeze. Her whole body tenses. She doesn’t like her personal space invaded, and that makes this even better.
Then, I look at the camera and give a pre-rehearsed plug for the center.
Nailed it.
After Bible study ends, Morgan asks to use the bathroom and Noel gleefully escorts her.
There’s one more thing I need to do. Didn’t plan it, but after seeing my brother’s pathetic game, it needs to happen.
“Noel, call transport and make sure they are coming tomorrow for the zoo field trip. They’ll close soon.” Then I pretend to help oneof the clients.
Noel groans but obeys, leaving Morgan unattended for when she exits the bathroom.
When she steps out, I swoop in.
“Oh. Mr. Killborne.”
“Jack,” I correct. “Stupendous Bible study.”
She grins, but her tone is strained. “Uh, yeah. It went... well.”
Before she sees it coming, I close in on her, invading her personal space yet again. She steps backward, pressing shoulders flat to the wall. I place my hand firmly on the drywall next to her head, boxing her in.
“Listen, Bible bitch. I want you to stay away from my brother. From my center. From the fucking air I breathe. Don’t come back here, and mail the check. Understand?”
She gasps, her expression outraged.
“Bible bitch?” she snaps. “I assure you, sir, me and my church are good for this community. I find your attitude unfounded and rude!”
I lean closer, but she doesn’t shy away. She’s stubborn. Not surprised. She plays at being gentle and virtuous, but I don’t buy it. Nothing that wealthy is ever born from pure intentions.
If she wants to stand up to me, I’ll teach her a lesson.
I tilt my head and glare down, wanting her to flinch.
“I see you,” I murmur darkly, making sure my breath sweeps down her skin. It’s the closest I can get without touching her slender neck. “I see a dumb preacher’s daughter. Someone who pushes people to a false idol while you steal their money. Just like your father. Are you a hypocrite like him, too?”
Her palm flies up and smacks my cheek hard enough to leave a welt. Sound cracks sharp in the hallway. It burns, but I don’t wince.
She narrows her eyes, ready to feel my wrath. Baiting me with that defiant look.
I move closer still, my body inches from hers. I didn’t intend to get close enough to feel her chest barely touch me, but it does.
She remains firmly in place though, with her chin held high.
“Church girl likes to bite. Use violence. How predictable. Tell me, when you lay down at night, do you think about what a phony you are?”
She stares for a moment, but I see it the second she breaks, closing her eyes like it cost her something. She ducks under my arm and hurries away, her high heels clicking on the floor. Her stiletto sticks inside a cracked tile, causing her ankle to twist.
Fucking perfect.
And then she’s gone.
I win. I always win. When my family is involved, I’ll cross any line.
Chapter 3
