“Belle,” Dad interrupted through the intercom in my bedroom, bringing my attention to him.
“Come down to my office. We need to talk.”
Although my father couldn’t see me, I nodded at his request as I answered Full Throttle.
Rebel Rider: If you must know, I’m wearing my schoolgirl uniform. I have to go. Chat later!
I didn’t wait for his reaction. The last thing I wanted to do was make my father wait. It wouldn’t be in my best interest. I was already pushing boundaries with my family on attending a co-ed school, and I didn’t want to push my luck any further. After exiting the forum, I deleted it from my browser history, just in case. Grabbing my backpack, I hurried downstairs.
Once I was standing in front of his office door, I knocked.
“Come in,” Dad announced.
I did, coming face-to-face with not only him but my grandfather too.
Oh no … did they change their minds?
My heart sank to the floor. This couldn’t be good. Not with my grandfather there.
“Good morning, Grandfather.”
He simply nodded to the leather chair in front of my father’s desk. “Take a seat, Belle.”
With each step toward the chair, I played it off like my heart wasn’t beating out of my chest.
“Is everything alright?” I asked once I was sitting down.
“Belle,” Grandfather addressed me in a stern voice, standing beside my father with his arms crossed over his chest, looking every bit the powerful man he was.
They were both dressed in three-piece suits. It didn’t matter how hot it was in Kentucky and trust me, some days were scorching, they were still always dressed in suits.
“Belle, I don’t think we have to remind you of what’s expected of you now that you’re attending Canterbury Academy?”
I nodded. “Of course, sir.”
“Everything you do reflects on our name. I don’t think we need to remind you of that either.”
“Yes, of course, sir,” I repeated to my grandfather.
“Princess,” Dad intervened in a lighter tone. “We’re trusting you to know who you need to steer clear of.”
I cocked my head to the side, confused. “Steer clear of?”
Grandfather didn’t miss a beat, stating, “You need to stay away from Beau Hawkins’ grandson. He’s nothing but trouble. Do you understand me?”
It was like I couldn’t form other words aside from, “Yes, of course, sir.”
“As far as you’re concerned, princess, Tristian Hawkins is the enemy.”
This might have been the first time I’d heard his name, but it wouldn’t be the last…
If anything, it was only the beginning.
Chapter 5
—Belle—
“Thank you, Grady, for the ride.” Our chauffeur had been driving my family around since before I was born.