49

BRANDON

As promised, I take Pauline to my house. There’s no other safe place for her but here. Of course, everyone will think it isn’t smart, given my whole fucked-up situation. Alayna is in Kansas with Cassius, and there are still things I need to figure out about the death of my family. But I need Pauline’s help. Besides, she is partly my responsibility now. I can never let Silvanus hurt her again, knowing that she was hurt because of my poor decisions.

If only there weren’t a goddamn family rule, she wouldn’t be hurting right now.

“I’ve always wanted to see where you live,” Pauline says as she cautiously gets out of the car. Lennie is already at the front door with her two assistants.

“Welcome to the mansion, Ms. Pauline.” Lennie greets her with a small smile. “Master Brandon.”

“Good afternoon, Lennie,” she greets back. “It’s been a long time.”

“Yes, you were just a child back then.”

Pauline holds Lennie’s hand. “Just call me Pauline. I’ve missed you. You still look as young as eve