Children of Vice (Children of Vice 1)

She frowned, accepting her new cup of tea. “The first thing is to politely greet people when spoken to. Manners aren’t just for appearances.”

“Good morning…how was your evening? What do I need to do?”

“Now that you know the truth, you can’t even apologize.” She smirked, taking a sip of her tea. “Which makes you already like so many people in my family.”

“You’ve shattered my whole world…excuse me if I hardly feel thankful.” I snapped, really wishing these damn zip ties were off my hands. “I just feel…so goddamn angry!”

“You are a mess, Ivy O’Davoren.” She smiled and nodded at me. “An angry, impulsive, reckless, lost, and utter mess of a woman. Whose life was ruined not by the people you’ve devoted yourself to hating but your own family. If you didn’t feel angry I’d worry about your sanity.”

“I’m sure you could have phrased that nicer.”

“I could have. But I don’t want you to feel good while you’re locked up like an animal. I want to see if you’re willing to do anything to get out of this hellhole and get justice. Because, Ivy, I can make you one of the most powerful women in this country. Anyone who hurt you both in the past and present will beg for mercy. You will want for nothing ever again. You father will rest assured, knowing the people who killed him and destroyed his family have been so thoroughly punished, it becomes a cautionary tale. But I can only do that if you’re sure.”

“I am. I’m sure. What do I have to do?” I said for the third time.

“Give up your last name.”

It was then that I was sure the devil was an old woman with a spectacular taste in fashion.

“I know that look.” She smirked. “But no, sweetheart, I’m not the worst. I’m just the old woman who’s been tasked to prepare you for the worst. So get scared now, let it out of your system, throw up if you need to, and when you’re done, we’ll get started.”

I swallowed the pocket of saliva in my mouth, sitting up now. “I’m fine.”

“Brilliant.” She opened her purse, taking out her phone to press only one button before looking back up at me. “Things are going to start happening very quickly. Is there anything you need?”

“I need?” I asked her.

She nodded. “Other than the obvious shower, shampoo, condition, wax, and…a lot. I can have them set you up in a private room. At least then you can shower and get rid of those horrid raccoon eyes. Food? Is there anything you want?”

“Food?”

“Please stop repeating everything I say.” She frowned and then shook her head. “Fine. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll let your brain catch up before I ask any more questions. Just make sure to eat and sleep…this you is over.”

She stood up and when she reached the doors, Jimmy ran back over to her like a fox with its tail between his legs.

“Ivy.” Her tone changed…eerily so and much politer. “This is Mr. Keely. Mr. Keely, this is Ivy. I’m re-introducing you to her because whoever she was to you before no longer compares to who she is now. If she stubs her big toe, I’ll blame you. If she’s uncomfortable in any way, I’ll blame you. If anyone knows I came here, I’ll blame you. Am I clear?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded at her.

“Brilliant. Please don’t forget, my grandson handles reminders very messily. I wouldn’t even want to imagine how angry he’d be if something happened to his fiancée.”

“His what?” Jimmy and I both said.

She didn’t reply to him and just patted my head gently. “Remember, eat, sleep…and maybe brush your hair, dear.”

Just like that she walked out, her heels clicking as she went.

“What the hell just happened?” I whispered.

“How the fuck should—” He paused, eyes wide when he looked back at me. “Ugh…I’ll arrange your room…ma…Ms. O’Davoren. How about you go eat? We can have something brought to you.”

No fucking way. If he didn’t look like he was in so much physical pain just getting the words out, I’d think I was dreaming. He didn’t bother asking anything else. Instead, he undid the zip ties around my wrists before reaching down and undoing the chains around my feet. Rubbing my sore wrists, I couldn’t stop staring at him, wondering what alien had hijacked his body. He didn’t even lift me up out of my chair.

“What day is it?” I asked.

“Tuesday.”

I smiled. “It’s spaghetti and meatballs at the caf today.”