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“And who is this?” Mom asks, referring to Riley.
“Oh yes! I’m so sorry, Ry.” I grab her arm and pull her over. “This is my friend, and roommate, Riley Cross.” My parents don’t know I’m staying at The Lawless house and that’s another thing I intend to keep from them.
“As in, Nel Cross and Anna Cross?” Dad says.
“That’s right, sir,” Riley responds respectfully. It’s strange seeing her engage with adults. It’s a new side of her and her composure is extremely professional.
“I thought your dad’s name was Samson?” I cut in, wondering who Nel is.
“It is. Samson Nel Cross, Jr. Those who know him personally call him Nel, and others refer to him as Samson.”
My eyes glance from my dad to my mom. “So you know Riley’s dad?”
They share a look. A really awkward look, then both nod. “Mmmhmm,” they say in unison.
Parents are so fucking weird.
“Shall we go inside and get this meeting started?” Crew’s mom asks. She’s clutching a small black leather purse to her stomach with her unpainted fingernails. When I think of Crew’s mom, I think of someone who spends her days baking and crocheting blankets for her future grandkids. She smells like warm banana bread and cinnamon sticks and has a smile that just washes all your worries away.
“We shall,” my mom retorts, taking my hand before hesitating a moment. “Riley. Honey. We’re so happy for your friendship with our daughter,” she speaks for her and my dad, much like she always does, “but this meeting is a personal matter. You understand, right?”
“Absolutely,” Riley retorts. “I actually have something to take care of.” She looks at me. “I’ll catch you later?”
My eyes widen and she presses a hard smile. I know exactly where she's going. She plans to go see Jude. “Okay,” I roll my lips at her then smack them together, “see you later.”
Mom leads me into the meeting room, but I freeze in the doorway when I see Sebastian Saint sitting at the head of a long table with an open folder in front of him. He lifts his head, eyes landing right on me. His scowl is so prominent that I’m sure he’s just given himself three permanent creases on his forehead, simply to prove his point at how much he loathes me. I heard him earlier talking with Neo. He doesn’t know, but I heard every word he had to say about the snake, who he thinks is trying to strangle his son. Or bite. I can’t remember. I’m pretty sure he’s claimed I’m out to do both.
Instead of bowing at his royal highness, I put on a big smile of my own and say, “Hello, Mr. Saint. So good to see you again.”
He scoffs and licks the tip of his finger then flips a page in the open folder, without even looking at it.
Mom squeezes my hand, stealing my attention. When I look at her, she’s wearing the same smug look I am. I’m so glad my mom shares in my distaste for that fucker.
“Ladies,” Dad whispers, leaning close, “show your respect for the governor.”
I fake a gag and Dad shoots me a stern look.
Sebastian clears his throat, then slides his chair back while we all gather around like he’s a god. He buttons his suit jacket back up then presses both hands to the table and leans forward slightly.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice. As you know, my sweet Maddie was taken from her home a couple short weeks ago. I’ve been working quietly with our inside law enforcement to bring her home safely. But with no such luck, we’ve been forced to resort to the public for help.” He looks my dad in the eye. “Thanks to your wife.”
Dad steps forward, jaw locked, but Mom pulls him back. He opens his mouth to speak, but all that comes out is a hoarse grumble.
“With all due respect, Sebastian, while your daughter, a young girl and innocent member of The Society, has been missing, you were busy traveling and collecting votes. It was painfully obvious you had no interest in her return until after the election. Someone who cares had to step in.”
“Mom,” I gasp quietly, “are you the one who called the news crew?”
Mom hushes me with a hard glare and waits for a response from a very shaken Sebastian.
“How dare you!” He raises his voice and slams a heavy fist down on the table, rattling it. “My daughter is my business and mine alone. It’s high time you worry about your own daughter before she disgraces this Society the same way you have.”
“What’s he talking about, Mom?”
“Go on, Luna. Tell your daughter exactly what I’m talking about. And while you’re at it, how about if you fill your husband in.”
My throat tightens, breathing constricted. “Stop!” I shout, before anyone can say another word. The last thing I need is my family's problems blasted to two families they’re close with—the Vances and the Coles.“I already know!” I turn to Mom, take her hand, and pull her out of the room, all the while, tears pool in my eyes.
Mom’s hand trembles in mine. “Scarlett. What on earth are you talking about? What is it you think you know?”
