A Cut so Deep (Thornes & Roses 1)

His response comes out resolute and firm. “She’ll go to Creed this weekend. You’ll leave for London as per our agreement, and she’ll join you if she so chooses, after the ball. That’s the only way I’ll agree to it. If you fight me, you’ll lose your place at Thorne Corporation, you’ll lose everything, including her, I’ll make sure of it.” He rises in one fluid motion, stalking toward me, and picking up a tumbler to fill it with vodka. I watch him swallow back the alcohol in one gulp.

“She’s not someone I’d trust Creed with.”

“I thought you were best friends,” my father says, and it just shows how long ago he’s taken note of my life. I haven’t been friends with Creed for such a long time.

“He’s not someone I consider a friend. You do realize she’s his cousin,” I tell my father.

“And you do realize she’s your sister.”

“Stepsister, she’s not related to me by blood.” Even though I insist, he merely chuckles at me. It’s stupid to fight this with him, since Creed and Nesrin are as far away from being family as she and I are, more so, since her mother is married to my father.

“Agree?” Dad says, lifting his glass, he waits for me to clink mine to the rim of his. I don’t want to agree to this but it’s, ultimately, up to Nesrin, and if she’s learned anything from me, it’s that Creed is not trustworthy.

“Fine. But you’ll be the one to tell her,” I inform him, before swallowing my drink and setting the glass down. By the time I leave his office, I’m angry and frustrated.

When I reach my bedroom door, I hear hers whoosh open behind me, but I don’t turn to look at her. The scent of her perfume invades my senses.

“Hey,” she greets me, her hand landing on my shoulder.

“My father wants to see you in his office. I need to pack,” I tell her, without meeting her curious gaze, which is currently burning a hole in my back.

“What? Why? Are we leaving?”

“I’m leaving,” I tell her. I have to give her a fair chance to decide. If I do say anything to her now, she’ll only find a reason to deny my father’s request to go on a date with Creed. And if that happens, everyone will know about us, everyone who can shape our lives in ways I’d rather not think about.

Dad was right, this town has its beliefs, its secrets. And if they don’t want something to take place, it won’t. Nesrin and I are forbidden.

“Damien,” her voice breaks on my name, and I close my eyes. “Please.” Her plea almost breaks me. But I know my father will hurt us much more if I swayed her decision.

“I need you to trust me, Nesrin. He needs to speak with you. I suggest you go now before he loses patience.” I push open the door and step inside my bedroom. And it’s only when I turn to shut it, do I look into her eyes. With a silent plea, I close myself inside, leaving her outside.

36

Nesrin

When I step into the office, I find my mother and Bradford perched on the old brown leather sofa and chatting. The room is dark, but the yellow light from each of the lamps that sit on either side of his desk illuminate the space dimly.

“Damien said you wanted to see me,” I tell Bradford. I haven’t had a chance to talk to my mother since she got back from her honeymoon. After my conversation with my aunt, I need answers from the woman who I believe lied to me my whole life.

“Please sit,” Bradford offers, gesturing with his hand to the armchair that matches the brown leather of the sofa. When I seat myself, the material of the chair creaks under my frame.

Both adults stare at me, and my heart kicks in my chest painfully. My mother sits back, submissively silent, as she twists her hands in her lap. It’s Bradford who takes the lead and speaks. “I’ve been talking to your mother, and I’ve also spoken to Mallory, we believe it would be lovely to have a joining of Thorne and Haven families, and since we’ve agreed, I’ve set up a date with Creed and yourself.”

What?

“No.” The word is out of my mouth before I have time to think about it. They clearly don’t know about Damien and me, and I’d like to keep it that way, but I’m most certainly not dating Creed Haven.

“I can’t.”

“Why?” Bradford’s expression gives away more than he’s letting on. He knows. “Because as far as I see it, you’re our daughter, and if we’d like for you to join with the other powerful family in this town, to create a union worthy of royalty, I would think you’d jump at the chance.”