Major Jarvis huffs a laugh. “Oh, I think I could make you sorry. If you keep pushing me, I’ll do it for fun, but I’ve got better things to do, and that’s not why I’ve called you into my office.”
A terrible chill waves down my spine.
“It’s become clear to me, several members of staff, your father, and Griffon’s care team that you are compromising his recovery.”
No.No.I know where this is going. Everything feels like it’s slipping. My eyes burn with unshed wetness. I know that it’s not true, but it doesn’t make the words less painful. That anyone would deem me harmful to Griffon is fucking laughable.
“You’re going to stay away from him, effective immediately,” he says.
I shake my head. “That’s not happening, sir.”
“It is, or your life at North Point is about to become severely restricted.”
“I don’t care.”
“Your father said you might say that. He’s on standby, ready to speak to you if necessary.”
My blurry gaze flicks to the iPad’s dark screen. The asshole. On standby. He couldn’t tell me himself. And then there’s cold. Ice cold. Water creeping over my bare skin. Lungs burning. After the way I spoke to him, I know I’ve already got at least one date with the most terrifying place anyone can put me. Talking to him now won’t accomplish anything. At least I can spare myself a little embarrassment and a second date with the tank.
“It’s not necessary, sir,” I grit out.
“Then you’ll cooperate?” He raises a brow.
“Is this because I punched your son?”
“It’s because it’s what’s best for you and your brother. You’re here to learn, become the best version of yourselves. That won’thappen for him with you acting as his shield. It won’t happen for you if you pulverize everything that threatens to harm him.”
The problem isn’t that Major Jarvis is an evil fuckhead—though, he is that—it’s that he’s an evil fuckhead who thinks he’s the good guy. That kind of evil is always worse.
“It wasn’t just any threat,” I argue.
Major Jarvis crosses his arms, leaning back. “Didn’t you threaten him life and limb the night before as well?”
I guess I knew he’d report to Daddy, and I don’t have much of a defense against his claim. “Fine, I won’t deny that I’m quick to defend my brother, but this morning was different.”
“I spoke with Cadet Jarvis. Now, it’s your turn. We’re officially separating you from your brother. Disobey, and life will be harder for both of you. Understood, cadet?”
That harrowing sensation grips me again, helplessness closing in. Breathe, Ryan. “I can’t agree to that, sir. You might be able to force the issue, but I won’t do it willingly.” My words are empty. I mean them, but all it’ll take is a call to Father to get me to heel. Still, I need to say them, so he knows I’m not a fucking dog.
He leans over the phone on his desk and presses a button. “Send him in.”
The door opens, and Griff enters. I don’t like the expression he’s wearing. Fear. He’s afraid of me.
“I’ll leave you two. I’ll need to speak with you afterward, Cadet G. Savage.” Major Jarvis waits.
Griffon takes a breath, throat working, visibly trying to unclench his jaw. His fingers twitch, the rest of his body tensing. “S-sir,” Griff scrapes out, barely audible, bottom lip wobbling. It’s painful to watch him struggle like that.
Major Jarvis puts a hand on his shoulder. “Good job, cadet.” Before he leaves the room, he spares me a glance as if to say,See?But that’s such fucking bullshit. Griff’s not healing, Jarvishas just actually managed to drive more fear into him for not speaking.
As soon as he’s out the door, Griff falls into my arms, shaking, his tears wet my shirt.
“It’s okay,” I say, even though it’s still not fucking okay. I squeeze him tight. “I’m gonna make it okay, I’m gonna make it fucking okay,” I murmur.
It’s a hollow promise. I can’t do shit. He’s going to spend the rest of his time at North Point dealing with this, without me. “They wanna separate us, Griff,” I say, knowing we’re not gonna get much time. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”
Maybe Idoneed to control my fucking temper.
“But I’m telling Dad how Rowan threatened you. He might be an asshole, but no way he’d stand for any of us getting sexually assaulted.”
