The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play #1) - B.B. Reid Page 0,16

up to his nose.

Fuck.

A lump lodged in my throat as he wordlessly returned the bar and handed over the caddy.

“Get out.”

I grabbed the caddy and fled.

Downstairs, after donning the navy blazer, white blouse, and khaki skirt, and opting for scuffed Vans instead of the shiny black oxfords, I found Rosalyn in the breakfast room, robed in turquoise silk, sipping her coffee as she stared out the window. The terrace doors were thrown open, inviting the morning breeze inside.

“Morning.” She faced me with a smile that became genuine when she took in my uniform.

“You look lovely.”

I smiled as I slid onto the bench across from her. “Thanks. Is this for me?” My mouth watered as I stared down at the scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and fresh fruit.

“Yes. Ever had some orange drink, and Thomas already left for the office.”

I nodded as I chewed on a piece of bacon. It was the right ratio of crispy and chewy just as I liked it. “Did you make this?” I already knew the answer. Why else would Ever pass up a hot meal for Gatorade? Eating something else would have been too obvious, and his father didn’t seem like he messed around.

She beamed as I devoured another strip of bacon. “I wanted to make sure you had a good breakfast.” She resumed staring out the window when I didn’t respond. I was too busy hoping that I hadn’t completely lost her to the McNamaras.

I finished eating and kissed Rosalyn’s warm cheek before running upstairs to grab my backpack. I didn’t know the protocol for being forced to accept a ride from a person who hated you, so after checking the time, I decided to just wait outside. I’d seen Ever come and go in a blacked-out Range Rover, so when I emerged and saw his ride waiting in the driveway, I awkwardly stood by it. Ten minutes passed before Ever emerged in a long-sleeve navy sweater, with the collar of his white dress shirt popping from the neckline, and black pants. He’d dutifully worn the red tie and shiny black oxfords that I had wrinkled my nose at before stuffing mine in the darkest corner of my closet. He had his two-toned hair brushed back and controlled with gel that made his thick hair shine.

If there ever were a preppy God, Ever would have been him.

“If I’d known you were such a diva, I would have slept an extra five minutes,” I quipped as he approached.

He took his time looking me over before speaking. “The option to walk is always available to you.” His tone remained perfectly flat, and I began to wonder if he even had a personality. He was always so refined and in control. Nothing seemed to ruffle his royal feathers.

I hopped in after he unlocked the Range Rover and waited while he tossed his backpack in the back. I didn’t realize I was tapping my foot until I caught him eyeing my bare legs. He seemed unimpressed, however, when he met my gaze again.

“Problem?” he questioned.

“We’re going to be late.”

He smirked as he turned the ignition and put the car in gear. “And?”

“And I’m in enough trouble thanks to you,” I reminded.

“Me?” He couldn’t have sounded more disinterested.

“Yeah. You.”

His lip curled as he drove us down the tree-lined driveway. “I’m not the dumb hick who thought she could be the next Patsy Quick in a fucking swamp.”

“Fuck you.”

Ever’s condescending snort had me flushing with humiliation even before he said, “Not even with a paper bag and a thousand condoms.”

Self-preservation flew out the window when my fist collided with his temple. Too far. He swerved into the next lane and cursed as he quickly regained control of the Range before slamming on the brakes. By the time I unfastened my seatbelt to fight or flee, he was already yanking open my door and pulling me out by my arm. My warning growls went unheeded as he slammed the passenger door shut and pushed me up against it.

“The first two were free. You hit me again, I hit back. Are we clear on that, Archer?”

I stared into the angry depth of his eyes, and the only thing I could do was smile, knowing I’d finally gotten to him. “Go to hell.”

“I am hell, so you’d better wise up.”

Feeling as if he’d carved the warning into my skin, I didn’t respond, and he finally let me go. I debated getting back in with him until he threatened to run me over if I