Keeping Her Page 23

  She uses a harsh tone. Interesting. Maybe Eleanor doesn't want to be fighting with Pearce. Maybe she's only doing it because Holton is making her. She shouldn't listen to him. If she wants to talk to her son, she should do so, and end this ridiculous silent treatment that's been going on for way too long.

  Eleanor doesn't look happy to see me. That slight smile that appeared when she saw Pearce has now turned to a frown as she looks at me. She hasn't even said hello to me, so I say it to her.

  "Hello, Eleanor."

  She ignores my greeting and eyes my dress. "I see you hired a stylist."

  I look down at my dress. "Yes. She took me shopping a few weeks ago."

  "She shouldn't make you shop with her. It's her job to find you the right items and have them delivered."

  "I didn't mind shopping with her. It was kind of fun, actually."

  That was the wrong thing to say. I know because Eleanor is giving me a look of disapproval, which I think means that I should not be doing things with people that I hire. Eleanor likes to place people in a hierarchy, with her at the top and her hired help at the bottom, and she only associates with the people who are at her level. I wonder what level I'm at.

  She holds her gaze on me for a moment, then turns to Pearce. "What have you been up to besides work?"

  Holton's standing there, mumbling something, his eyes on the other people in the room.

  "Rachel and I bought a house."

  Holton's eyes dart to Pearce. Narrowed eyes that match his very angry expression.

  "Why the hell would you buy a house?" he asks.

  "That's what you do when you get married," Pearce says calmly. "You buy a house."

  "You're not married," he says, playing along with the fake story, although I know he wishes it were true.

  "We won't be moving into the house until after the wedding."

  "Which property is it?" Eleanor asks, as though there are only a few to choose from. And I'm sure that's true for the mansions Elana wanted to show us.

  "It's a four-bedroom house in a neighborhood," Pearce says.

  Holton laughs under his breath. "You're not serious."

  "It's a brick colonial located in a small town, about a half hour east of your house."

  Holton realizes that Pearce isn't kidding and I see his jaw clench. I think he'd blow up at Pearce if we weren't in a room full of people, but since we are, he lowers his voice and says, "Goddammit, Pearce. Haven't you done enough to destroy our family?"

  "Father, I have not—"

  "Pearce, you cannot live in a house like that," Eleanor says.

  "And why is that, Mother?"

  "You know why," she snaps, sounding almost as angry as her husband. "It doesn't look good. People will think we're struggling."

  He sighs. "Nobody will think that, Mother. And Rachel and I looked at some larger houses but they just didn't suit us. We wanted something smaller."

  "SHE wanted something smaller," Holton says, glaring at Pearce. "YOU didn't."

  Pearce remains calm. "We both did. We have no need for a mansion. It's too much space."

  "And how do you expect to host parties at a house that small?" Eleanor asks.

  "I will not be hosting large parties like this one."

  "As a Kensington, you are expected to," Eleanor says. "You know that, Pearce."

  I can't believe how angry they're getting over this. It's none of their business what kind of house we live in. They're completely overreacting.

  "Mother, perhaps we could talk about something else. Rachel is looking for volunteer opportunities. Why don't you tell her about some of the charity committees you serve on?"

  She keeps her eyes on Pearce. "I am asking you to reconsider your purchase of this house. This is a decision that affects all of us and it's selfish of you to think otherwise."

  "It's a very nice house," I say, because I think they forgot I was here. "And it's 4200 square feet, so it's not small."

  Eleanor finally turns to me. "The house Pearce grew up in is 22,000 square feet. So in comparison, the house you purchased is small. Embarrassingly small. And the location is not appropriate either. Location is everything. Where Pearce lives reflects on my family. But you chose not to consider that."

  "I didn't mean to cause any problems," I say to Eleanor. "I just—"

  "Then FIX the problem by calling your agent and telling her you will not be buying that house."

  "Mother, we're not doing that," Pearce says. "We love the house and that is the house we will be living in."

  "Your father is right," Eleanor says. "You're nothing but a selfish child." She turns and storms off, leaving Holton there.

  "How dare you upset your mother like that," he says. "Stay away from us. We want nothing to do with you." He follows after his wife.

  Once again, I'm shocked at how horribly they treat their son. I don't think I'll ever be used to it.

  "I'm sorry, Pearce."

  He drinks his bourbon. "It's fine. I knew they'd react that way."

  "Then why did you tell them?"

  "Because it's better than having them find out from someone else." He holds his glass up. "I need another one. Let's go back to the bar."

  "You go ahead. I'll just wait here. It's too crowded by the bar."

  He heads over there and I wait in the living room, which is full of people. None of them look happy to be here. Their smiles look forced and their laughter sounds fake. Why do these people spend time with people they don't even like? I guess it's just something rich people do. No wonder Pearce doesn't like this side of his life.

  "Are you Rachel?"

  I turn and notice a young girl standing next to me. She's very pretty. Long blond hair. Bright blue eyes. She's maybe 14 or 15 and very thin. She's wearing a black cocktail dress with thin straps at the top.

  "Yes, I'm Rachel. And you are?"

  "Katherine Seymour."

  When she says it, I see the resemblance. She looks very similar to her mom.

  "It's nice to meet you." I smile at her. "I met your parents earlier. Your family has a beautiful house."

  She shrugs. "It's not that great."

  Is she kidding? Most kids her age would love to grow up in a house like this.

  "I'm guessing you're in high school?"

  "When did you start dating Pearce?" She says it in an accusatory tone, almost like I'm dating her boyfriend.

  "Last September. So what grade are you in?"

  "You know you can't be with him."

  I raise my brows. "Excuse me?"

  "He has to be with a daughter of a member. Someone like me."

  "You? You're a teenager."

  She straightens up. "I'm 15, and I turn 16 in a few weeks."

  "And Pearce is 25, almost 26."

  "So? That's not that big of an age difference."

  "It is when you're 15." This girl is getting on my nerves. I don't like her tone or the way she's looking me up and down, assessing me just like her parents did.

  She sets her hands on her hips. "You can never be with him, so you might as well end this now."

  "Pearce and I are engaged. We're very happy together. We're not breaking up."

  "The wedding will never happen. They won't allow it."

  "Who's 'they'? Who are you talking about?"

  "The organization." She smirks. "He hasn't told you about it?"

  "What's going on here?" Pearce asks, as he comes up behind me. "What do you need, Katherine?"

  "I was just saying hello to Rachel." Katherine tilts her head and smiles at him. She's trying to play sweet and innocent, but I won't let her get away with it.

  "Katherine was saying how we couldn't be together," I tell Pearce. "She said some organization won't allow us to get married."

  Pearce starts coughing, almost like he's choking.

  "Are you okay?" I ask.

  He nods. "Yes."

  I turn back to Katherine. "So, Katherine, what organization are you referring to?"

  Before she
can answer, Pearce says, "Katherine has a very active imagination. She always has, haven't you, Katherine?"

  She smiles at him. A flirtatious smile. "You look good, Pearce. I like your suit."

  "Katherine, why you don't run along and find someone your own age to talk to?"

  "Call me sometime," she says, stepping closer to him and running her hand down his tie.

  He backs away from her. "Katherine," he says in a warning tone.

  She smiles and looks back at him as she walks away.

  I move closer to Pearce. "Wow. She has quite a crush on you."

  "She has for the past three years. I thought she'd grow out of it, but it seems to be getting worse."

  "She kept telling me I couldn't be with you. Something about how you have to be with a member's daughter. Do you have any idea what she meant by that?"

  "I told you, she has a very active imagination." He says it quickly, in an angry tone.

  "Pearce, is something wrong?"

  "No. Nothing." He nods toward the back of the room. "Jack and Martha are back there. Why don't you go talk to them? I need to find a restroom."

  Pearce leaves and I make my way over to Martha. She smiles when she sees me.

  "Rachel." She gives me a hug. "I'm so glad you came."

  Finally. Someone who's happy to see me. If I could, I'd stay here the rest of the night. It's the only place I feel comfortable.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  21

  PEARCE

  I've been searching for Katherine for nearly ten minutes, furious at her for saying those things to Rachel. How does Katherine even know about the organization?

  I spot her going down a hallway on the far side of the house, away from where the guests are. I hurry over there before she disappears into one of the rooms.

  "Katherine." I know she hears me and yet she keeps walking. "Katherine! I need to speak with you."

  She looks back and smiles. "Come to my room."

  "I'm not going in your room." I meet up with her in front of a door that I'm guessing leads to her bedroom.

  "You tracked me down." She leans back against the door, sticking her chest out. "I knew you liked me." She grabs my tie, pulling it toward her and lifting her face up like she expects me to kiss her.

  "Katherine." I take her hand and remove it from my tie. "For the last time, I am not interested in you. You're a child. I'm an adult. Go find someone your own age."

  "I don't like boys my own age. They're disgusting and immature. I prefer men." She puts her hand on my chest, gazing up at me. "Men like you, Pearce."

  "Stop it." I take a step back. "I've had enough of this ridiculous crush you have on me. It needs to end."

  "If you were 35 and I was 25, it would be okay, so what's the difference? It's still ten years."

  "I'm not discussing this. We have more important things to talk about." I check to make sure we're alone. "Who told you about the organization?"

  "My father." She folds her arms over her chest, annoyed that I didn't give in to her advances.

  "When did he tell you?"

  She shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe a year ago? Why do you care?"

  "You're not supposed to know about it until you're at least 20."

  "My father says I'm mature for my age."

  "Did he tell you never to tell anyone?"

  "Yes. But I don't always listen to my father." She takes hold of my lapel and smiles up at me. "You don't have to be afraid to be with me. I'm not a virgin."

  I move back and put my hands on her shoulders, holding her away from me. "Katherine, I need you to listen to me. And I need you to listen very closely. What your father told you is never to be told to anyone. Ever! Do you understand?"

  "That girl needs to know she can't marry you. She needs to know the rules."

  I'm surprised Leland didn't tell Katherine that Rachel and I are already married. Telling her might've stopped her obsession with me. But maybe Leland wanted it to continue. He seems to find it humorous.

  "Rachel is my fiancé," I say. "And we ARE getting married. It's already been approved."

  She pouts. "But that's not—"

  "Listen to me! If you told Rachel about the organization and one of the members found out, your father would be punished."

  "So? They'll give him less money. Big deal."

  "No. The punishment could be far worse than that. Your father could be killed."

  Her eyes drop to the floor. "Oh."

  I don't think it's true, but I need Katherine to take this seriously. Honestly, I don't know what would happen if she told Rachel about Dunamis. Her father would be punished for her actions, but I don't know what that punishment would be. The organization constantly reminds us that any member who tells an outsider about us will face severe punishment. I don't know if that punishment would be death, but I know for a fact that they would kill an outsider who finds out about us. And even though Rachel is my wife, they still consider her an outsider.

  I hold Katherine's chin up, forcing her to look at me. "You must never EVER tell Rachel, or anyone else, that the organization exists. Do you understand me?"

  She nods.

  I let go of her. "Goodnight, Katherine."

  I walk off, but hear her talking. "You still can't be with her."

  I turn back and see Katherine watching me. Then she goes in her room and slams the door.

  "Have you seen Katherine?" Leland asks as he walks toward me.

  "Yes, she just went in her room."

  He walks past me. "She needs to get back to the party."

  "Leland."

  He stops. "What is it, Pearce?"

  I go up to him. "Why the hell did you tell Katherine about the organization?"

  "So she wouldn't waste her time on boys she can't be with."

  "That is NOT something you tell someone her age."

  "Your father told you when you were 16."

  "Yes, and he never should've done that. I was too young to be told something like that."

  "Katherine is very mature for her age."

  "She almost told Rachel about it!"

  He pauses, and I see a hint of a smile. "That would've been a shame. Your bride terminated because of a simple misunderstanding?"

  I get in his face. "What the fuck are you saying? You did this on purpose? Did you tell Katherine to tell Rachel?"

  "Of course not." He backs away. "Katherine simply didn't know the rules."

  "It's your job to tell her the rules."

  "I'll be sure to have a talk with her." He turns toward her room, but then turns back. "I assume you heard the news."

  "What news?"

  "Your punishment has been decided." He smirks. "Well, it still has to be voted on by the higher level members, but I'm sure it will be approved."

  "How do you know this?"

  "Your father told me. It's too bad you two aren't speaking. Perhaps if you were, he'd keep you up to date on such matters."

  "What is it? What's the punishment?"

  "I'm not allowed to say. Now if you'll excuse me." He walks away.

  "Leland, wait!"

  He ignores me as he knocks on Katherine's door. "Katherine, open the door. Your mother is looking for you."

  She opens the door and he goes inside.

  I can tell when Leland's lying and he wasn't lying just now. He knows what my punishment is and he refuses to tell me. I wonder who else knows. Would Jack know?

  I go back to the party. Rachel's probably wondering where I am. I've been gone for at least fifteen minutes. I see Jack by the bar, laughing too loud and getting dirty looks from people. He's clearly drunk.

  "Jack." I hold his arm. "I need to talk to you. In private."

  "Where's that bride of yours?" he asks, stumbling a little as I lead him to the study that's just off the living room. "She's a nice girl, that one. Martha already loves her like a daughter. She goes on and on about her."

  I close the door to the study. "What's my punishment?"

  Jack
sits down in one of the leather chairs. "Punishment for what?"

  "Marrying, Rachel! Dammit, Jack, how drunk are you?"

  "Drunk enough to tell off your father." He chuckles.

  "You were fighting with my father?"

  "He's furious that you're working for me. I told him to get the fuck over it." Jack yanks off his shoe. "Damn shoes. They still haven't loosened up."

  I take his shoe and toss it on the floor. "Jack, pay attention. Do you know what my punishment is or not?"

  "How the hell would I know that? Only the people at the top know." He yanks his other shoe off. "I'm walking around in my socks the rest of the night. If they want to complain, they can throw my ass out of here."

  "Leland said he knew."

  "Knew what?" Jack's rubbing his foot.

  I sigh. "What my punishment would be. Leland said my father told him. Why would my father tell Leland and no one else? Or do you think other people know?"

  Jack sits back in the chair. "No. I think it's just Leland."

  "Why Leland?"

  "Because your punishment could affect the future of Kensington Chemical, which he has a vested interest in."

  "Since when does Leland have a vested interest in the company? What are you not telling me, Jack?"

  "Last year, Leland and your father were trying to work a deal between Kensington Chemical and MDX Aerodynamics."

  "What kind of deal?"

  "I don't know the details. I shouldn't even know about it. I only do because I overhead them talking about it after one of our meetings. But I don't think the deal ever went through. At the meeting in December I noticed the two of them arguing and your father looked even more angry than usual."

  "You think Leland was the one who called off the deal?

  He nods. "I'm assuming he refused to do business with your father after you married Rachel. Leland thinks she's trash. He even calls her that. Then again, most everyone here tonight thinks that way about people without money so it's not that surprising."

  It's true, but it still fills me with rage to know that people think that way about Rachel.

  "If there's no deal, then why would my father tell Leland my punishment? Leland wouldn't care."

  "Why are you asking me this shit?" Jack raises his foot up and adjusts his sock. "I have no idea if any of this is true. It's just a theory."