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“Her age. Her lack of pedigree. Her absence of style or social polish.” Cordelia ticked off the points on her fingers. She shuddered. “Those shoes.”
“There’s nothing she can do about the first two andIpicked that dress for her.Ilike it. Ilikeher. And Iloveher shoes.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes. “Next time, if there has to be a next time, let me pick an appropriate ensemble.”
Sutter watched his mother for a long moment, gauging her, wondering whether this was the time to bend or stand firm. It was a calculation he’d made many times. It was almost his oldest memory, deciding whether to give in to his mother’s demand that he wear a suit and tie for his fifth birthday party or the Spiderman uniform his Uncle Jux had gotten for him.
He’d worn the suit and tie. After she threatened to send his friends home before the party even started, scaring everyone off with the possibility of chicken pox.
And now she was doing the same thing. Threatening to scare off Saoirse before their relationship could take firm root.
I’ve bent so many times, what’s once more?He asked himself.It’s worth it if she takes it easy on my girl.
“Okay, Mom. I’ll let you pick her outfits for company events. I’m sure she’d appreciate your social guidance. She was a competitive athlete, so she’s used to performing.” Smiling to himself, he said, “I’m sure you’ll find her an eager student.”
Cordelia tapped her manicured fingertips on her champagne flute. “All right, darlin’. The Angel and Demon Ball is coming up in a few weeks. I’ll RSVP for the two of you. What is she, a size eight?” His mother’s lips flattened in derision. “Please don’t tell me she’s a ten.”
She’s absolutely a ten, Sutter thought with satisfaction. “I’ll have her send you her measurements. I like her in yellow.”
His mother rolled her eyes. “Dearest, that’s a terrible color.”
“Not on Saoirse. I want to see her in yellow. And not in a poufy ball gown. She’s elegant and understated, even if you don’t see it. That’s what I like. And let her have a little fun. Sparkles or something.”
Cordelia huffed. “This is an impossible assignment, Sut.”
He grinned at her. “Nothing’s impossible for the mighty Cordelia James. I doubt it’s even a real challenge. Thank you for doing this for me.” He walked over and took her hand, lifting it to his lips and kissing her knuckles, the show of affection and obedience she’d demanded from him for as long as he could remember.
Sutter’s lessons in dominance and submission started with this gesture.
“You’ll still be in New York next Monday? I want to make sure to stop in the office your first day to help you settle in.”
“Next Monday,” he confirmed.
“Good. Your uncle has some notion that you won’t need a personal assistant straight away, but that’s ridiculous. You’ll need someone to deal with your travel arrangements at the very least.”
Sutter didn’t react to his mother calling Gray, her husband, “his uncle”. He knew she was doing it on purpose: to help them both remember what the man truly was. A monster. A monster who murdered his own brother.
“I’ll figure it out, Mom. Don’t worry.”
“No, no, no, dear. I’ll have Lorraine contact H.R. and make sure the position is listed. I’ll vet the applicants so your last few days of freedom aren’t ruined.”
Sutter suppressed a bark of laughter, knowing perfectly well his mother intended to co-opt any potential assistant so she’d have a spy in his office.
“Have the position listed, Mom, but I’ll do interviews after my first day. I want to get a sense of the office first. Whoever I hire needs to fit in.”
His mother gave him a chilly smile. “Of course, dear.”
“Anything else? I’ve got a big day tomorrow. Nineteen holes with the V.I.P.s.”
His mother waved her hand. “Get a good night’s sleep. Jet lag’s always worse the second day. You’ve been drinking your water, right? Should I send some mineral water up to your room?”
“I have and no, I’m fine. When are you flying back?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. Your uncle’s doing your golf thing and then we’re straight on the jet. I have a benefit lunch on Sunday at Red Meadow I can’t miss.”
“Are you taking the girls with you?” Sutter asked.
Cordelia nodded. “You can’t imagine I’d leave them here with your degenerate of an aunt? Terrible influence.” She arched a perfectly shaped brow at him. “Don’t let her involve you inthatside of the business, dearest. I know your uncle likes you to be part of the dog and pony show but leavethatsort of thing to your aunt and the hired help.”
