The Peer and the Puppet by B. B. Reid
The first thing I noticed when I trudged into her office was the floral wallpaper. A pristine white area rug covered most of the wooden floor. Music played softly from a speaker I couldn’t see, and along one wall was a board filled with pictures of countless girls in the burgundy and gray uniform.
“Good morning, Miss Archer.”
I looked at the woman behind the desk for the first time. The Madame had short blonde hair, warm blue eyes, and—I swallowed my laugh—a frilly pink shirt. She didn’t look at all like a woman in the business of stealing souls. “Morning.”
She stood from her desk, and I took in the black pencil skirt and high high heels. I imagined holding a wheelie for ten miles would be easier than walking ten feet in those things.
“I apologize for the disruption in your day, but I have news from home.”
My amusement fled. If Thomas and Rosalyn were reaching out through Madame Madison, then it couldn’t have been good news.
“Did something happen?” I braced myself for the news that Rosalyn had ran off yet another beau. Just when I began to think Thomas was different after all…
“No, dear. Your mother and father are fine.” I started to tell her that Thomas wasn’t my father when she dropped the bomb. “You’re going home.”
I straightened at the news. “I’m what?”
“It appears that your parents are no longer in need of my services and have made arrangements for your return.”
“When?” I choked out.
“Tomorrow.” She leaned against her desk and linked her fingers together. “It was strongly recommended that you stay with us as none of your direct supervisors believe that you have been reformed.” She assessed me with kind eyes. “Do you feel you are truly ready to return home, Miss Archer?”
My eyebrow arched. “Does it matter what I think?”
“I’m sure if your parents knew you weren’t ready to return, they would reconsider. I could petition for you to stay, but I need to know you want to change.”
I bit my lip before giving a sharp shake of my head. “I can’t give you that, Madame Madison.”
“And why is that?”
“I have a score to settle.”
THE FOLLOWING EVENING, I WAS greeted with a kind smile and a kiss on the cheek from Mrs. Greene. I stood in the empty foyer, waiting for the click of Rosalyn’s heels, but the hush over the home was telling.
“Where is she?”
“Oh, your mother is very sorry she couldn’t be here.” She rubbed the back of my hand consolingly. “Their flight from California was delayed because of the storm.” One of the maids called for her, so she patted my hand and said, “I’ll just be a moment, and then I’ll show you to your room.” She hurried off before I could assure her that I remembered where it was.
Shrugging, I moved to the stairs. From the looks of it, absolutely nothing had changed. And when I passed by Ever’s door, I kept my gaze straight ahead and lightened my steps. I pushed open my bedroom door, and rather than yellow that was too pale and white that was too pure, there was chaos.
Rumpled black bedding was hanging partway off the bed. One of the pillows had been tossed onto the floor while the other was crushed against the wall where a headboard should be. Hanging on the wall over the bed was the American flag and two others—a green, white, and orange vertically striped flag, and a white X-shaped cross on a field of blue. I tried to remember which country the flags belonged to, but geography wasn’t my forte.
From the posters to the video games to the crumbled pile of dirty clothes by the bed, my room had been taken over. On one wall were four guitars—two Stratocasters, a Firebird, and a Fender Jaguar. Surrounding them hung records, some in the album slips and some bare. I wanted to run my fingers over the polished wood and found myself taking a step when a deep voice stopped me.
“Curiosity will get you in trouble, kitten.”
It was the unusual accent that had me spinning on my heel. I was tongue-tied as I drank in the sight of a bare chest, abs, and arms that had been used as a canvas stretching all the way up his neck. I couldn’t tell how far the tattoos dipped below the waistband of his jeans, but his bare feet were free of ink. Mahogany hair dripped water onto his chest as dark eyes flecked with gold studied me.
“Does it speak?” he taunted when I remained silent.
“You sound funny.”
His head tilted, and the light caught the diamond piercing his right nostril. “I could say the same.”
I shrugged and said, “I’m from Virginia.”
“You sound like you’re from Alabama.”
“And you keep forgetting the r.”
“That’s Beantown, baby.”
“Go Red Sox.”
He chuckled, breaking the ice, as he unwrapped his towel from his neck and tossed it on the messy bed.
“So, is your mom dating Thomas, too?”
“Not really.” His smile, if possible, made him even more gorgeous. “She’s his sister.”
I took my foot out of my mouth to apologize and got a wink for my trouble. I felt the blush creeping down my cheeks and changed the subject. “How old are you?”
“Maybe you should start with my name,” he mocked as he pulled a black T-shirt from his dresser and slipped it on.
“Right…what’s your name?”
“Jameson,” he supplied as he swiped a pair of black socks from the floor and sniffed them before tugging them on. “Call me Jamie, though.”
“All right, Jamie. I’m Four.” I offered my fist for him to bump. It was a test. Ever would never bump my fist. His eyes darted from me to my fist, and with a shake of his head—as if he guessed my motives—he bumped his much larger fist against mine. “You sure you’re a McNamara?”
“It’s Buchanan, actually—Dad was a Scot.” There was a flicker of pain in his eyes, but before I could offer my condolences, he said, “You’re not at all what I expected.”
I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what that pompous prick said about me, but I asked anyway. “What were you expecting?”
“Some snaggletooth inbred who could barely put a sentence together.”
I’m going to kill him.
“Come now, don’t be subtle. I’m sure your cousin had a lot more to say about me.”
“Actually, he barely mentioned you.”
I felt like I’d been kicked. “You don’t need to lie for him. He’s done a lot worse.” It was unfair that while I’d been pining for revenge, he’d barely thought of me at all.
Jamie eyed me. “Don’t take offense, lass. That’s just who Ever is.”
“And who might I be?”
A chill swept my skin leaving goose bumps in its wake, and I desperately tried to recall the pep talk I gave myself on the plane.
This time would be different.
I’d be smarter and quicker than I was a year ago.
I wouldn’t cower in his presence.
Taking a deep breath, I faced the tall, athletic frame filling the doorway.
“A cold bastard,” Jamie answered with a grin.
“I wondered what was keeping you,” Ever mused with his eyes on me. “Now I see.” The bite in his tone was unmistakable. All that was missing was his sneer, but Ever McNamara was much too poised for that.
“Unwad your knickers, cousin. I found Four here snooping around. Thought I’d have a little chat.”
Slowly, Ever’s gaze drifted lower.
My breasts were fuller now, and his lingering scrutiny made it clear he noticed. Reluctantly, he moved on to peruse my taut stomach and the subtle curve of my hips and thighs.
It was impossible not to notice his own changes. He stood at least an inch taller, and there were dips, bulges, and hard planes beneath the white button-up and blue jeans that hadn’t been there a year ago. I didn’t think it was possible for Ever McNamara to be…more.
“It seems some things haven’t changed,” he said as he leaned a shoulder on the jamb.
“Sorry to disappoint you,?
“I’d have to care.” His attention shifted to Jamie. “Let’s go.”
I’d been dismissed.
Jamie started for the door, but then he stopped with a mischievous grin. “A buddy is throwing a thing before school starts. You riding?”
Ever took the liberty of turning down his offer before I could. “She stays.”
“Four?” Jamie pushed, completely ignoring his cousin. It was refreshing to know at least one person in Blackwood Keep wasn’t afraid of Ever.
“Thanks, but no thanks. I think I’m just going to crash.”
Jamie looked disappointed, but he didn’t bother arguing.
I followed them from the room just as Mrs. Greene appeared.
“There you are! I meant to tell you that Mr. McNamara had you moved into another bedroom. I hope those boys didn’t give you any trouble.”
The boys in question peeked over their shoulder.
“They were perfect gentlemen,” I lied and caught Jamie’s grin just before they rounded the corner.
“Oh, good! Let’s get you settled.”
“MAKE WAY FOR YOUR KING!” someone shouted over the music. The horde of sycophants parted, and I hid my cringe as I moved through the swaying figures. I suppose I deserved the position. I definitely earned it.
Translation: I’ve been a supreme dick.
“King, huh?” Jamie questioned with a lift of his brow. “You’ve been busy.” Girls called Jamie’s name and grabbed at his shirt while he bumped fists with a few guys from the basketball team. I took advantage of his sudden distraction and ditched him in the crowd. Jamie would pry, and I didn’t care to explain myself. I never do.
Vaughn, my right hand and enabler, descended the stairs and clapped my shoulder. “Thought you weren’t coming.”
“I wasn’t, but my father is full of surprises.” Vaughn sipped from his cup and waited for me to elaborate. “Archer’s back.”
“Shit, man. Thought we got rid of her for good.”
“So did I, but she’s like a fucking cockroach.” Getting rid of the grease monkey had been more than just amusing. It had been necessary. Four Archer was a constant reminder of a past that needed to stay buried, and if I wasn’t careful she’d be the chink in my chain.
“Only because you were holding back.” Vaughn eyed me knowingly.
I shrugged as if Archer didn’t plague my every waking thought. “She wasn’t worth the effort.”
“And now?”
“I’ve got other priorities.” He knew that as well as I did, but the fucker was baiting me. “I’m done with her as long as she remembers her place.”
“And when the wedding bells ring?”
My nostrils flared at the thought of Thomas marrying the social climber. While she hadn’t turned out to be an evil bitch—my father would have seen through her two years ago if she were—I knew something about Rosalyn Archer was off. So I did some digging.
“That will never happen.” After the dirt I had found, I’d make sure it never got that far, but my father could have his fun for now.
Amusement lightened his eyes. “Your father marrying may be something even you can’t stop.”
My lip curled at the challenge. “Wanna bet?”
“Her mom may be a docile thing, but Four is a different breed. She’ll go down fighting.”
I pretended my heart wasn’t racing at the promise of Four’s challenge. She’d only end up the spoils of the war she waged and damn if that didn’t get my cock hard. “She gets in my way again, I won’t hold back. Her year in reform school will feel like a day at the spa.”
“What are you girls whispering about?” Jamie was sweating, no doubt from dancing with the endless line of willing girls.
“Your mother,” Vaughn retorted.
Jamie shoved him before cracking a smile. “She’s too much woman for you.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Vaughn retorted smoothly. “So, you’ve met the new stepsister?”
“She’s not my stepsister,” I barked and then gritted my teeth for playing into his hands.
They simply smirked at each other while ignoring me. “I did.” Jamie snickered. “That chip she’s carrying around is even bigger than his.”
Vaughn nodded with a gleam in his eye. “This should be fun.”
The crowd parted, and there was only one person besides us who could part this sea of drunks. Vaughn immediately refocused on drinking, and Jamie stiffened beside me.
Fuck, not now.
But it was too late. The strawberry blonde stood in front of me. She wore a pink miniskirt with a sheer floor-length wrap, black crisscrossed strappy heels, tight white T-shirt, and a black bomber jacket. She wrapped her toned arms around my neck, and I dutifully slipped mine around her small waist.
“What are you doing here?” I whispered in her ear.
“Same as you, I suppose.” She pulled away and avoided my gaze.
“Bee.” I spoke her childhood nickname as a warning. She hated Barbie even more than she did her given name, Barbette.
“It’s fine.” Her button nose scrunched. “I’m fine,” she corrected.
I sighed and let it drop because she was even more stubborn than I was. Jamie stole her attention anyway when she noticed him conveniently flirting with a pair of blondes. I pinched the bridge of my nose, knowing what would occur next.
“No need, girls. That one’s already infected.” Her glossy lips spread into a smile as Vaughn draped his arm over Barbette’s shoulder.
“You’re a cold bitch, you know that?”
She planted her hands on slender hips. “Just doing my civic duty.”
Jamie patted the blondes on the butt and sent them on their way. They’d find him later if he didn’t run into something better before then. When he smoothly stepped into Barbette’s personal space, Vaughn stepped away, and I swore. Of course, Barbette didn’t back down. In those heels, she matched Jamie’s six feet two while standing so close their lips almost touched.
“For all the shamming you do, you suck at pretending it’s not my dick you really want. Tighten your shit up, Bee…or is it Barbie now?”
“Do you really believe I’d lie with filth?”
“Why not?” Bitter eyes trailed her body. “You used to love it.”
“You’re an animal.”
Jamie’s smile was lascivious. “In every way, baby.”
I’d heard enough.
“Jamie, go get yourself a drink.” From his profile, I had a clear view of his jaw clenching.
“You don’t order me.”
“I can make you, but that would be embarrassing for you.”
He didn’t flee like most. Jamie shifted and spread his arms as if to say I was welcome to try. I knew from all the fights we’d had when we were kids that it would be a long and bloody one.
“No, that’s okay,” Barbette stammered while stepping back. “I was just leaving.”
“Yeah, you do that.” Jamie’s gaze followed her as she fled.
“Man,” Vaughn drawled, “you should just fuck her and get it out of your system.”
“Nah…” Jamie threw me a withering look. “I don’t want his leftovers.”
I started to point out that he’d had plenty of my leftovers since returning from Scotland, but he shoved past me and disappeared into the crowd.
Vaughn ran his fingers through his brown locks. “Remind me again why dating Bee is worth all that? You and I both know you don’t want her.”
I snatched a half-empty bottle of vodka from the hand of a passing classmate and sent him running with a look when he started to protest. It’s been a while since I’ve indulged but with Four back in town and the constant refereeing between Bee and Jamie, I had every intention of getting hammered until nothing mattered.
“Because it pisses him off.”
I’VE HEARD THAT ABSENCE MAKES the heart grow fonder, but what did those guys know? Thomas seemed relieved when he thanked
“How was your time in Europe, dear?”
“Rehabilitating.”
It was now the morning of my senior year. My uniform was freshly pressed, and the black patent leather slippers were shined. It wouldn’t be enough for me to blend in, not after what I did to Daniel Kim, but it would have to do. I was pulling my hair into a ponytail when a knock on my door interrupted me. I stood motionless in the middle of my bedroom, contemplating the presence on the other side. After yesterday, I wasn’t expecting Rosalyn to see me off to school, and Thomas was usually at the office before breakfast.
That left me with two possibilities, neither of them desirable.
Maybe I could sneak out the window…
“I know you’re in there,” a masculine voice called out. “I can hear you plotting.”
Jamie.
The lesser of two evils.
I snatched open the door and found him with his arms crossed over his chest as his lean frame rested against the doorjamb. I waited for him to speak, but he was too busy staring at my bare legs.
“Can I help you?”
Picking up on my chilly reception, he said, “Not a morning person, eh?”
“It’s not the hour that bothers me,” I hinted.
“Relax, kitten.” He held out long arms, clad in a crisp white dress shirt, in surrender. “I come in peace.”
The red vest he’d chosen paired well with his mahogany hair while the black slacks hugged his toned legs even better. I would have told him he looked nice, but his ego was bigger than Kanye West. Besides, he may not be a snob like his cousin, but he’d probably still have his back when it counted.
“Let me guess…you’re the good guy?”
He answered with a sharp shake of his head. “Never,” he added with a grin. “But I did come to offer you a ride to school.”
Thomas didn’t bother dictating the arrangements as he did a year ago. Had he expected us to pick up where we’d left off?
“Why would you help me?”
“Why not? You do something to me?”
“You’re Ever’s cousin.” Was I the only one aware of the line drawn between us?