and share a campus, I’m convinced she’s too self-involved to ever put the pieces of my personal life together. For once, I truly hope that never changes.
“He’s my professor.”
“He’s also head-to-toe sex, so I wouldn’t blame you one bit.”
“Kell.”
“What? Sister, your gasps are saying no-no-no, but your scent is screaming—”
“Nothing,” I cut in. “I’m just tired and hungry, okay? Keep your nose to yourself.”
“Hmm.” She’s shockingly diplomatic about that. “Just be careful.”
“Why would I need to be careful?” I’m still defensive, which feels like the smart choice. “There’s nothing going on.”
She slants a skeptical look my way. “You’re the most sentimental of all of us. Just don’t get too attached to him. He’s not like us.”
“You’re jumping to a lot of conclusions.”
“I’m just saying…”
“Do you want me to start sniffing into your personal life?”
Her stare turns dark, part warning and, judging by the new energy in the air between us, part worry, but she says nothing more.
I exhale a relieved breath when traffic starts to move, bringing us closer to Beverly Hills. The journey toward the family home doesn’t usually elicit the same reaction, but tonight I’m more eager than ever to see my grandfather. I just have to figure out how to bypass my mother.
Finally we pull up to the broad dark wooden gate, which opens almost intuitively, as if the house knows we’re welcome guests. Kell speeds along the stone drive and parks in front of the house like she owns the place.
The butler emerges from the early evening shadows like a ghost materializing out of thin air.
“Miss Valari.” He tips his head toward me first, then greets Kell with a tight smile. “Miss Valari.”
“Hey, Dalton.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder and breezes past him without making eye contact.
I touch his arm briefly on my way inside, bringing some warmth to the dark gray eyes that seem to match his suit perfectly. His rigid posture softens slightly.
“Is Gramps home?” I keep my voice to a whisper.
He nods once before following Kell’s journey through the wide arched doorway with his gaze. “He hasn’t left the guesthouse all day. But your mother is expecting you.”
I clamp my teeth together. “Great.”
He responds with a subtle shrug, to which I can only sigh and carry on behind my sister, who must have tipped off my mother at some point today. I didn’t inherit my family’s thirst for vengeance, but I feel the strong urge to make my little sister pay for setting up the intentional minefield.
For now, I follow her inside the mansion that, for all the warm colors of its Tuscany-inspired decor, sends an instant chill down the length of my spine. The slow clicks of my heels clash with the determined stomp of Kell’s as we cross the marble foyer, heading for the cream-and-gold luxury of the huge living room on the other side.
“Mom!” she yells before we’re even halfway across.
I wince at the loud sound, waiting for the next impending assault. I brace myself at the unintelligible murmurs that are paired with the distinct yips of my mother’s furry companions. Then her voice, as sharp and unforgiving as I’ve ever heard it.
“Jaden will get that part if I have to drive down to the fucking studio myself.”
She storms out from our left after throwing open the double doors of her office. Two assistants flank her, dressed in crisp, stylish suits, looking every inch as panicked as Veronica Valari expects them to be.
As if they’re in fervent agreement, the estate’s resident gang of teacup Chihuahuas begin barking animatedly.
“Should I email someone?” the lanky blond one asks as one of the dogs gets underfoot, nearly tripping her.
Instantly I feel sorry for the girl. She’s fairly new. But if she’s lasted a month already, she should know what she’s gotten herself into.
“No. You are to call him right now before he gives that other no-talent the part,” my mother hisses, her dark eyes growing a shade darker. “The head of the studio owes me a favor. Reach out to his people and let him know Veronica Valari wants to speak with him today. Don’t take no for an answer.”
The blonde nods rapidly and moves back into the office, which seems to close the door on that subject enough for my mother to recognize her daughters have arrived.
Her eyes brighten and her glossy lips spread into a wide smile. “Girls!” She draws out the word and walks toward us, spreading her arms wide. While the action tests the panels of her