Page 59 of Silver

I’ll never do that to Daphne. I know my need for perfection, including from her, is a result of my formative years, but I will never punish her for something she didn’t do or isn’t real.

A psychologist would say that I’m broken, and maybe I am. Maybe that’s why I feel the need to break Daphne, so that we’re a matched pair. In her case, I’m providing her with exactly what she needs. The fact that she doesn’t fully understand what her needs are is immaterial. I’m aware of what will make my girl the best form of herself. And I will ensure it comes to pass.

I get another half hour of work done before she returns to me. She’s smiling. “I found it, Sir.” She sets her paper down and taps her pointer over the problem she’d worked incorrectly.

Beaming at her, I pull her into my arms again. “Good girl. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Sir.” She’s grinning wider than I’ve seen before. She’s proud of herself, and that matters more.

“I want you to succeed in your studies, precious girl. Do you understand how important it is to do well in school?” I know she does. She’s always worked hard. She was a diligent student when she arrived at the university. But she hadn’t met me yet. Now she’ll be even more dedicated.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Knowing that you’ll face the cane will help you focus and study harder.”

She nods. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good girl. Now, it’s time for lunch. I’m going to go downstairs and prepare something for us to eat. After lunch, you’ll start your English homework. I found the book you’re supposed to be reading in your backpack. Why don’t you start on that while I’m gone? You may either sit at your desk or, if you tend to get sleepy in a chair, pace the room while you read. Sometimes that helps me, especially if I’m not fond of the subject matter.”

“Yes, Sir.”

I release her and push my chair back to rise. Tipping her chin, I meet her gaze. “Be good.” I kiss her forehead before striding from the room and locking the door behind me.

In the kitchen, I encounter Dante. I’m not surprised. I’d rather not interact more than necessary with my brothers right now because I’m focused on my girl. It’s none of their business, and I don’t want to hear any of their opinions. But there’s no way I won’t run into one or more of them every time I leave my room.

Dante is sitting at the island eating a sandwich. “Heard you brought a woman home.”

“Yep.”

“So, Rook isn’t the only one who broke the house rules this year.”

I growl and shoot him a look. He’s right, but it’s not up for discussion.

He chuckles. “I’m not judging. It was bound to happen. If it makes you feel any better, I’m stalking a fresh-faced girl myself.”

I’ve just opened the fridge, but I turn around to look at him. “Yeah?”

“She doesn’t know it yet. I’m still considering my options.”

I smirk. “Daphne didn’t know I was following her, either. And she still has no idea I pranked her. Please don’t mention it.”

“Are you planning to tell her?”

“Probably, but not right away. She’s…vulnerable.”

He laughs. “Is that what you call it? Judging from the sounds I hear coming from your room, I’d say she spends half her time wanting to kill you and the other half hoping you’ll fuck her.”

“That’s about right.” I set turkey and cheese on the island. I’m not a picky eater, and food choices aren’t that important to me, but I should probably find out Daphne’s likes and dislikes at some point. I could eat a turkey and cheese sandwich every day of my life for lunch, but I’m aware most people prefer some variety.

“So, what are you waiting for?” I ask Dante as I pull bread out of the bag. “If she’s captivated your attention this long, you might as well stake your claim.”

Dante shrugs. “She’s a hot mess. I’d say she’s got a bit of an exhibitionist side, though I doubt she realizes that. She’s going to need a firm hand. I’m thinking it will be easier if I wait for her to fuck up a bit more than she already has. Make the stakes higher so she has no option but to accept my help.”

I chuckle. “Your help, huh? By help, I assume you mean you intend to take over her life in a way that has her head spinning so hard she’s dizzy.”

Dante lifts his brows at me. “Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

“Yep.” I don’t deny it.