na

to soothe the frantic energy buzzing under my skin. I leaned my head against the cool l

ace a mask of cloying concern. "Fiona, darling, are you

ape on my cheek, letting out an exaggerated hiss of pain.

ed. "What, then?

forgive you?" I asked, my voice dripping with disdain. "Fine. We'r

re. And he knew what I was talking about

phone and held it up, my thumb hovering over my father's contact. "Or I

him. The Sterling Futures contract. He couldn

my phone. "Alright! Okay!" he bit out, his smile a

him a triumphant, bratty smile. "Driver," I comma

inst a different clock. My father, Arthur, was a man of habit. He would be in his study at 9:00 PM sharp to sign th

the gleaming facade of Vanguard Jewelers. Even at this hour, the store

oor. I swept past him, my torn, muddy dress a stark contrast to the

z, but his gaze was immediately drawn to me,

black velvet, was the reason we were here: a brooch in the shape of a peacock, its tail

ry that on,"

guidance. "Miss, that is the 'Star of the

I can't afford

weat. "Fiona, darling, perhaps so

hy patrons in the store turned to stare. "Is that what my life is worth to you? Something su

alued his reputation above all else, turned a shade

credit card from his wallet and slammed it down on the glass counter.

e washed through me as I watched his

ng awkwardly by the door. "I'm thirsty," I announced. "I want a non-fat, extra-hot, no-foam l

ooked at Cha

away. He just wanted this ordeal

lders disappearing into the night. My eyes narr

as my