“Semantics.”
“It’s not,” he snaps, a crack finally breaking through that composed exterior. “You said it yourself. Gideon’s already inside our systems. He’s anticipating our movements. If we don’t give him something towin, he’s going to keep pushing until he finds it.”
I lean back slightly, observing him. He believes this. That’s the dangerous part.
“You think offering yourself up is the solution.”
“He’s furious I ruined his plans. Better me than Iz.”
“And what happens if Gideon decides you’re better off dead before we can find you?”
“He won’t, he enjoys prolonged torture.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“I know him. I grew up in his house.”
“You were a child.”
His lips press into a thin line. Indecisiveness warring in his eyes.
“I still know more than you,” he says as he lifts his chin.
I lean across the table and grab his shirt, pulling him to me.
“Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Ravencourt,” I growl into his face.
“No, you don’t know whoyou’retalking to.” His eyes narrow. “You’re the one with blind spots.”
I throw him back into the chair. I stay standing, glaring down at him.
“What are you talking about?” I slowly move around my desk, keeping my eyes on him.
“Gideon, you failed at every turn.” Jace straightens in his seat, no fear in his body. “Anytime there was a lead on Isobel, he made sure those operatives never got the chance to tell you. If they did somehow make it back to you, he made sure Isobel was moved.”
“I suspected as such,” I mumble.
“How about Adrienne?” Jace stands.
“What about her?”
“Did you know she was fucking my father?”
His words don’t register. For a moment, all I hear is the echo of them, like my mind refuses to process what he just said.
“What did you just say?” My voice is quieter now, more contained.
“Adrienne,” he repeats, not softening, “was sleeping with my father.”
“Since when?”
“Since before you agreed to her arrangement. You fell for her sad sob story for Dakota, when in reality, she was there to keep tabs on you.”
My mind starts moving faster than I can track. Adrienne. The access she had to my house, to me. The information she could have heard.
“You’re sure.” It’s not a question, just a demand.
“I’ve watched him fuck her over his desk.” Jace makes a face.
