Chapter 13

RILEY:

"I heard what you did," Xavier says a little into the walk he proposed we take this morning. "You think it's okay going against the instruction Damien already laid down for the maids?"

"I'm not one of them, am I? So if he really wants me here, then he won't mind if I change a bit of things he put in place regarding my welfare," I state.

"That makes sense."

"It does."

"Just be careful with what you change. It could raise some questions if you go overboard with it," he warns.

I scoff. "I don't intend going overboard to rile others up. I intend going overboard to rile up Damien in particular so it would let him realize he doesn't have to keep me here any longer."

"And does that plan include creating an acquaintance with the maids so you could fulfill your desire to leave?"

Glancing in his direction briefly, I say, "I only want a bit of acquaintance for my convenience. Don't start getting some ideas about it."

"Let me warn you though. Whatever you do, don't get the maids involved i