Prince Player(168)

And I chose Thomas for a reason. He likes me, and he’s easy enough to trick if it comes to that. I feel bad honestly, using Thomas’s own kindness against him, but I had no other choice.

I chose a place near Gavin’s apartment and the first second I got, I ditched Thomas and ran up to Gavin’s place.

I’m glad that I did. The cellphone’s weight in my pocket is comforting as I sit there, looking out the window, ignoring Thomas’s annoyed grumbling. Nothing bad happened and my father never needs to know that I ran away, so he won’t get in any trouble. And now I have a phone to contact Gavin with, even though it’s the oldest thing I’ve ever seen.

It’s around five by the time we finally get back to the apartment. I quickly head upstairs and into my room, not bothering to stop and say hello to my parents. I’ve been ignoring them ever since they decided that I’m a captive in my own home. Peter isn’t even around to keep me entertained, since he’s away on some trip with his friends. And I’m not interested in talking to Michael.

I bite my lip as I shut my door and get into my little nook. I quickly text Gavin. “Hello? Is this thing on?”

He responds a minute later. “Safe and sound?”

“Yep!” I type back. “The smuggling operation was a success.”

“Good girl. I knew you could handle it.”

“I’m glad I finally have a way to talk to you. I missed it.”

“You missed what?”

I bite my lip, staring at the screen. “Talking to you,” I say.

“That’s not what you meant,” he responds, and I can see the insinuation in his message.

“Maybe,” I say, smiling to myself.

This is the happiest I’ve been in a while. I’ve been cooped up in the apartment, hidden away from the world, and now finally I can talk to the only person who I really feel like talking to.

My phone vibrates with a response from him, but I don’t get a chance to see it. There’s suddenly a knock at my door, and I panic a little bit. I turn off the phone and hide it in with the vibrator before getting up and answering the door.

It’s Michael, frowning in at me. “Father sent me to get you,” he says. “We’re having dinner.”

“I’m not hungry,” I say, and go to shut the door.

Michael puts his hand out and stops me. “This isn’t optional. Milo is here.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Milo’s here right now?”

“Yes,” he says. “So please, put on something nice and come down to dinner. You’re expected shortly.”

“And if I don’t come?” I ask him. “Are you going to tattle on me?”

He sighs, shaking his head. “That was for your own good, Sadie. You think I wanted to do that?”

“Yes,” I say to him, staring him in the eye.

“Fine, go ahead. Hate me. But I’m your older brother, and I can’t sit around and let you make a mistake like dating Gavin Waller.” Michael can’t even say Gavin’s name without looking absolutely disgusted.

“I’m an adult, Michael,” I say to him. “My mistakes are my own. You can’t control the world.”

“Maybe,” he says. “But you still have to come down to dinner. So please, just come.” He turns and leaves without another word.

I sigh and head back into my room. The last thing I want to do is have family dinner with Milo. I know my parents are going to try and set us up again, but I have no choice. I can’t just ignore it like some little girl.

I get changed and head downstairs. I know I’m in for something painful, but I have to do it anyway. I’m determined to get my family to finally recognize that I’m a person with my own wants and needs, not just a pawn in their political game.

The family is seated at the dining room table, everyone except for Peter. Milo sits in Peter’s usual spot. I take the seat across from him, and he smiles as I sit down.

“It’s nice to see you,” Milo says to me.

“Good to see you, too,” I say. I don’t bother looking at my father.

“We were just discussing Milo’s business venture,” my father says. “It’s quite interesting.”

I glance at Milo. “What is it?” I ask him.

“Oh, nothing fancy. Just a little consulting firm. I’m helping tech developers secure funding for their projects.”

“He’s doing quite well,” mother says, clearly more impressed by his income than by his skills.

“I didn’t know about that,” I say, already bored of this.

“I’ve been keeping it private,” Milo says. “But you’re like family now. So I might as well share.”