Page 383 of Knox Academy Omnibus
“I don’t trust myself.”
“I have enough faith for the both of us then. Let me in, I can handle it. I promise I won’t run. But if this is a forever kind of lo—thing between us, you have to share the real you.”
“We’ll see,” he mutters darkly.
We’re interrupted by Sawyer returning and Monty getting to his feet. He taps the side of his crystal flute with a teaspoon like they seem to do in movies. I snort. If I tried that I’d probably break it and shower everyone close to me in glass.
“Gentlemen…and ladies, welcome. It gives me great delight and pleasure to gather here with you tonight to celebrate and officially welcome Miss Rossi to the head of our organisation?—”
Whatever Monty was due to say next dies on his lips as the ballroom doors open and my father enters.
“Dad!” I call out, getting to my feet and rounding the table to greet him. Murmurs break out but I ignore them, crossing the room to greet him. He meets me halfway, throwing his arms around me and giving me a massive hug. When he pulls away he looks me up and down, whistles, and shakes his head.
“I’m not sure I should let you out in public dressed like that, pumpkin.” I laugh.
“I’m not sure you get any say in it. I missed you, Dad.”
“I missed you too, kiddo. Sorry I’m late, but our flight was delayed.”
“Our?”
“Hey Milly,” a familiar voice rings out. My dad steps to one side and that’s when I notice Aadi and…Bex standing behind him.
“Oh my god! What are you doing here?!” I squeal, launching myself into his arms. He spins me and puts me back on my feet, hugging me hard.
“It’s good to see you, sis.”
“I didn’t expect to see you! Where’s Smalls? There’s no way he stayed home without you.” I laugh.
“It’s an Order only event, Milly,” Aadi points out.
“Then why are you here…oh.” Realisation dawns on me. “You’re taking the Rossi seat aren’t you? Dad said you didn’t want anything to do with it.”
“Yeah, well, thatteacherof yours is very convincing.”
“Yeah, about that...” I twist my fingers nervously.
“Oh, calm down, Milly, I know.” He shakes his head. “We can talk about that later. First, I need to introduce you to?—”
“Yeah, Bex. We’ve met, remember?”
“Yes, Milly, I remember. Bex is here to take the Kessler seat on the new board.” He states this in a low voice, aware that all eyes are on us.
“But that would mean you’re…the sister Sawyer mentioned,” I whisper, staring at her in disbelief.
“Half sister,” Bex clarifies quietly. She’s unusually quiet actually, the usually larger than life girl looking nervous and unsure of herself for the first time.
“Right.” I want to comfort or reassure her but my head is spinning.
“Look kiddo, shall we take our seats? We’re holding up proceedings, and this conversation is probably best saved for the morning and somewhere more private.”
“Of course.” I nod, gesturing to a nearby waiter who immediately steps forward. “Can you show my guests to their seats please?”
“Certainly, ma’am.”
He ushers them away, but not before Aadi looks back to see how I’m doing. I give him a tight-lipped smile and a small wave. He nods once and turns away, slipping his hand into Bex’s. I feel a stab of jealousy and I can’t comprehend why.
I return to my seat, apologising to Monty as I pass. He gives me a reassuring smile and waves away my apologies.
