Page 21 of Speak No Claim

He growled, standing abruptly. “You’re becoming insufferable.”

“I learned from the best.”

He considered me a moment. “Don’t confuse provoking me with winning, Onyx. You’ve done it your entire life.”

“Yet you’re still surprised.”

Inhaling sharply, he straightened the lapels of his jacket.

“Are we done here?”

“No.”

I reached for the doorknob anyway.

“I didn’t dismiss you.”

I laughed. “I’m done asking.”

Three strides was all it took for him to close the distance between us. He stopped close enough that I could smell the whiskey on his breath. Once upon a time, I would’ve taken a step back.

I didn’t.

I held my head higher.

His eyes searched mine, waiting and measuring what he was up against. Looking for any sort of hesitation from me like I had when I was a kid.

Finally, getting close to my face, he bit, “You’ve forgotten your place.”

I didn’t falter in reminding him, “My place is taking yours.”

He gripped the front of my hoodie, dragging me up to his face. “Don’t you ever think you’re replacing me, Onyx. I’m your fucking father, and until I die, you stand behind me. Do you understand me?”

“Don’t tempt me,” I clenched out.

“You’re defiant like your mother.”

I grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“She fucking spoiled you. I warned her that⁠—”

“You don’t get to rewrite history, old man. Now”—I scoffed—“I suggest you let go unless you want me to remind you I’m not a kid anymore.”

He cautiously did as he was told, and I smiled.

“At least you learn fast.”

“Don’t lapse restraint for weakness, Onyx.”

“No.” I opened the door. “I mistake it for intelligence.” With that, I left him there.

There wasn’t a chance in hell I was walking into the ballroom where the party was still being held, so I took the back stairs to my bedroom. I didn’t stay there often. I had my own floor suite back at the Academy. All the Blood Oath Brothers did. It came with the title. I’d be staying there more now regardless.

I shoved open my bedroom door. The extravagant suite hadn’t changed. It never did. I threw off the hoodie, annoyed that his hands were on me. Frustration quickly followed along with anger. I tossed the rest of my clothes and jumped in the shower to wash off the grime.

I cranked the water as hot as it would go. Steam swallowed the glass within seconds. I scrubbed my body raw, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. It didn’t wash away the night. Her face found me nonetheless.

“What the fuck…” I swore under my breath.