Page 323 of Knox Academy Omnibus
“Good plan.” Kalen claps like an idiot.
“Right, well, I have to go and see Amelie.”
“So you cockblocked us all from having sex just so you could sneak back and have your wicked way with her?” Kalen complains. “Why would you do me dirty like that, brother, why? Does bro code mean nothing to you?”
“We’re going to talk about bringing Baxter onto the board. A passion killer if ever there was one. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Well, if you do get down ‘n’ dirty with her, make sure it’s a Knox name she’s screaming and not his.”
“Sawyer? What are you doing here?” Amelie blinks at me in disbelief when she opens her door, like she can’t believe I’m really standing here. “Did you change your mind?”
A slow, sexy grin begins to spread across her face but when she sees my serious expression, her smile falters and falls.
“What’s happened? Is it something bad? Is everyone okay?”
“Everything’s fine. Can I come in? We need to talk.”
“You know,” she points out, frowning. “Nothing good has ever come from those words.”
“I promise it’s not all doom and gloom this time. May I?” I nod towards the room because she still hasn’t made any move to invite me. But she finally takes the hint and jumps back, opening the door wide.
I enter and close the door behind me as she takes a seat on the bed. It’s been warm, but she’s still wearing an oversized hoodie and knee high socks. As she moves so that she’s cross-legged, I learn that she’s not wearing much else.
I hesitate, then move to lean against her desk.
“It must be bad if you don’t even want to sit with me.” She frowns.
“Amelie, you’re dressed in next to nothing, and you’re exhausted. Plus, I need to keep a clear head for the next few minutes. I’m avoiding temptation.”
My honesty appeases her, and she quits shooting daggers at me. I know it’s a defence mechanism, so I don’t think anything of it.
“The new board is almost sorted. I have six of the seven seats filled.”
“Okay, which one is empty?”
“Branson’s.”
“So get Baxter to fill it,” she says, waving a dismissive hand like a magic wand. I’d need a magic wand to get him to agree. Or a miracle.
“I’ve tried. Believe me. That’s why I’m here. I need you to convince him.”
“That’s going to be impossible when he wants me to pardon him.”
“I know. And I’m aware that we don’t fully know how pardons work yet, but what about striking a deal with him. He sits on the board for a year or so in exchange for his pardon later down the line?”
“That could work…”
“It will. I’m sure of it. But it has to come from you.”
“Okay, I’ll speak to him. I don’t see why that has you looking so worried though. What’s really going on?”
“My plan is to take the Montgomery family seat, and Slate will take the Oldham seat.”
“Yes, with Baxter in the Branson seat. And Kalen in the Knox seat.”
“No. That’s just it. I thought you’d want Onyx on the board too.”
“I do, but I can’t see how it’s possible.”
