CASEY
"You cannot bring my mother into this," I am quick to argue, my voice sharp and cutting through
Sebastian doesn't even flinch. "I can bring in whoever I want when I'm the one with everything to lose."
I step closer. "No. You don't get to threaten her. You have a problem with me? Fine. Deal with me. But you keep her out of it."
Sebastian raises both hands mockingly, as if to say Calm down. "Relax, princess. No one's hurting your precious mommy. But if you break the rules, if you go crying to Blackwell or Cesar or anyone else, the story won't be about me forcing a contract. It'll be about you, the manipulative little daughter of a woman who...."
"Don't," I snap, pointing at him. "Don't even finish that sentence."
He studies me for a second, then tilts his head, amused. "Touchy. Noted."
There's a long silence. I feel my chest rising and falling, my fists clenched so tight my nails dig into my palms. I didn't expect it to go this far. I didn't expect him to go this far.