Bully King - J.A. Huss Page 0,26
Don’t you agree, Chairman?”
“Of course.” My father beams. He likes Isabella. Probably a little too much. “I’m sure she’ll learn. You can learn, right, Cadee?”
She nods. “Yes, sir. I will study up tonight and be ready tomorrow.”
My foot is sliding up her leg again and she squeaks a little.
“Are you OK?” Isabella asks.
“Fine,” Cadee mumbles. “I’m just… not very hungry.”
“Oh.” Isabella looks at my father. “She should go rest then, don’t you think? Tomorrow will be a very demanding day.”
“I don’t need to rest,” Cadee interrupts. “And I’m not staying here tonight. I’m going to move back into my cottage.”
“Nonsense,” my father bellows. “It’s too late to move in tonight. You will stay tonight and Cooper will help you move in tomorrow after your first day of work. But if you need to go lie down, we understand.”
Cadee frowns, unsure if she’s being dismissed or has a choice in this matter.
“Yes, Cadee,” I say, once again sliding my foot up her leg. “You need your rest. Isabella and I will be putting you through your paces tomorrow.”
“And you are to be there at five AM with the other servants,” Isabella adds. “Cooper and I will be hosting the opening ceremony at eight sharp. And everything must be perfect.”
“Go get your rest,” my father says just as my foot finds Cadee’s inner thigh.
She backs her chair away so quickly, it scrapes on the slate floor.
“Dear,” Isabella says. “Do be careful. Slate floors are delicate. I hope you didn’t scratch it.”
I chuckle.
“Thank you for dinner,” Cadee squeaks. Then she just stands there for a moment. Like she’s not sure if she needs to say more or not.
“You’re dismissed,” Isabella says, waving her hand at her like the pompous queen she is.
My father chuckles like Isabella is just a delight and he can’t imagine having dinner without her being present, acting like a snooty bitch to his house guest.
Cadee turns on her heel and walks out. But she’s heading the wrong way. Dear God. This girl is going to be so easy to fuck with this summer. She flusters so easily.
“Other way,” I call out. She turns and looks at me and I nod my head in the proper direction. “The servants’ quarters are that way.”
“Cooper,” my father bellows. “That’s uncalled for.”
“As if.” I chuckle. “Good night, Cadee. Rest well.”
“You’ll need it,” Isabella calls.
Cadee turns and disappears through an arched opening in the wall.
We all pause in silence for a few moments, making sure she’s out of earshot. Then Isabella whispers, “I don’t know about her, Chairman. Lacy Pendleton would’ve made such a spectacular servling. I really wish she was still on my staff. And she really needed that scholarship. Not to mention she earned it. She put in her time. Cadee Hunter never even attended Prep! How will she ever fit in at the college?”
“Hmm.” My father dabs his napkin at the corners of his mouth, considering this. “You might be right, sweetheart. What do you think, Cooper?”
“Me?” I point to myself. “Since when do you want my opinion?”
“Since you became the King-in-waiting. Son.” He kinda growls the word son. Like it’s ironic or something.
“Please,” I say. “Lacy Pendleton needs a scholarship because her father is sitting in prison for embezzlement.”
“That’s not her fault,” Isabella counters, looking from me to my father, then back at me. “She’s not responsible for the sins of her father.”
“Isn’t she?” my father asks.
Isabella pouts. This is the first time he’s disagreed with her.
“She needs to learn a lesson. She needs to learn that we are all a reflection of each other. Don’t you agree, Cooper?”
I don’t say anything.
And thankfully I don’t have to. Because Isabella says, “Oh, I do agree there. Absolutely. And if you feel Cadee is up to the job, well”—she beams a grin at my father and places her hand over his—“I totally trust your opinion, Chairman.”
He looks down at it, then back up at Isabella to smile. He wraps his other hand around hers. “That’s why I’m in charge, dear. But… I will keep your opinions under consideration. If Cadee doesn’t cut it, we’ll replace her.”
“Replace her?” I grunt. “And take her scholarship away too?”
“Do you think it’s unfair, Cooper?” my father asks.
“No. I actually think it’s a great idea. You should do it tonight. Just kick her out. Send her on her way. We don’t need her here. She doesn’t belong.”
“Let’s not be rash, Cooper,” Isabella sings. “Let’s give the poor girl a chance.” She looks at my father. “One week?”
“Sounds