Oh God.
Arranged marriage,Carrigan had called it from the start.
Even so, it sickens him for too many reasons to quantify.
Lachlan forces himself not to react at all.
Jules seems to be doing the same.‘As you say, father.’
‘How do you feel about that?’
‘Honoured.’
‘And?’
‘Whatever you want me to feel.’
Alistair makes a vaguely impatient noise, studies Jules with naked curiosity.‘I want your honest opinion.You are my son.I am your blood.Tell me what you think, the truth of it.’
But Jules knows better by now.
Lachlan is proud of him.
‘I’m flattered you would arrange such a match, father.’
‘Speak plainly to me.’
‘I am.’
‘No, you’re speaking to me like a servant.’Alistair sighs roughly.‘Do you like her?Do you get on well?’
‘She’s very sweet.’
‘Have you spent time with her?’
‘Not much, no.’
‘That will change.’
‘I understand.’
‘Not like that,’ Alistair says, inclining his head, eyes closed briefly, as if allowing some delay out ofgenerous decency.‘When you are married, she will live here.You’ll have children of your own.A son.You may call him whatever you like, but Sael will be his middle name.You will inherit everything.You will take over Helixx.You will enter the world, taste the freedom you so desire with a good woman by your side and all the money you could dream of.’
Jules stays silent, breathing a little faster, lips bitten into his mouth.
Lachlan knows he’s trying not to cry.
‘Thank you, father.’
‘I know it is not what you want,’ Alistair admits softly, brow creased.‘But we are the elite, my son.We live different lives to everyone else, and this is the burden we bear.’He reaches over and places his hand atop Jules’ own.‘This is why I have been so generous in allowing you a rich and varied childhood.I know you will not understand, but in this way, I have done more for you than my own father ever did for me.Look at me, Julian,’ he bids with a skin-crawling attempt at what might be affection.‘You will make me very proud.’
Jules’ eyes are filled with unshed tears.
‘Yes, father.’
‘Good boy.’Alistair smiles and pats Jules’ hand before he removes his own entirely.‘Make sure to dance with her, pay attention to her, show off how beautiful the two of you are.The photographs are important to me.In exchange, you may have whatever you want.’
‘I don’t want anything.’
