Thorne Princess(96)

Disappointment crashed into me, and I realized foolishly that I’d expected him to tell me he’d stay, even if they fired him.

The car slowed to a stop by a curb. Ransom tucked his phone into his pocket. “We’re here.”

Filing a complaint against Craig was relatively painless, everything considered. I recited the incidents coldly, in what almost felt like an out-of-body experience.

The two officers who took my statement allowed Ransom to be in the room, and asked their questions gently, giving me time to sort out the thoughts in my head.

When I walked out of the police station an hour later, I had fifteen missed calls from Mom, twenty from Dad, and dozens of unread messages.

Ransom and I slipped into the car. I rubbed at my temples, feeling the beginning of a headache. “I don’t even know where my sister lives.”

She’d never invited me over, never made the faintest effort to get to know me.

“I have it,” Ransom said.

“I wonder what life is going to be like after you,” I blurted out. “After you’re gone.”

He flashed me a smile. “Same as before, but with a lot more googling.”





Hera and Craig lived in an aquarium-like skyscraper downtown. All azure glass and high ceilings. The type with twenty-four-hour concierge, gym, spa, gourmet restaurant, and business center. Before we got there, Ransom asked the driver to stop by a small flower shop and purchased a big bouquet.

I stared at him, puzzled. “Looking to make a move, now that she’ll most likely be single?” I arched an eyebrow.

The only reason I believed Hera would be single was because there was no way she’d put up with the embarrassment of standing by Craig’s side if this went to trial.

“You know me too well,” Ransom said flatly.

When we entered Hera and Craig’s building, Ransom’s game became clear to me. He approached the uniformed concierge, holding the bouquet.

“Hello, I’m Ransom Lockwood, and this is Miss Hallie Thorne, Hera Thorne’s sister. We’re here on a social call, but would like to keep it a surprise from the newlywed couple.”

The man, in his mid-fifties, eyed the flowers with a smile. “Of course. Unfortunately, it goes against our policy. What apartment shall I ring?”

“Six-two-four,” Ransom said easily. “But preferably, you’d let us pass. See, we’ve arranged a surprise for the couple. I’m sure they’d appreciate the full impact of it if we arrive unannounced.”

The man looked torn. On one hand, there was a protocol. On the other, Ransom was incredibly convincing, and the flowers were gorgeous.

Finally, he groaned, “All right.”

And so we slipped into the elevator to the sixth floor, heading toward Hera and Craig’s apartment.

“A surprise, huh?” I stared up at the mirrored ceiling of the elevator.

“No lies there,” Ransom muttered.

“What if Craig tries to attack me?” I sucked in a quick breath.

“Then he’ll meet his premature and extremely painful death in my hands.”

The elevator slid open. We both walked out.

My legs were shaking, my palms sweaty, but astonishingly, no part of me wanted to turn around and run away. I wanted to see this through.

When I reached Hera and Craig’s door, I raised my fist and rapped four times. The door swung open immediately, as if someone were already expecting us on the other side.

Hera. Sweaty and gaunt-looking, probably after a spin class. Her Alo Yoga attire clung to her boney figure. Her hair was a mess. Her mouth was twisted in a bitter smile.

“Came for your victory dance?” She bared her teeth.

“Is that what you think this is?” I narrowed my eyes at her.

How delusional could a person be to think any part of this was fun for me? Mom and Dad were clueless. But Hera? She was disgusting.

Hera leaned a hip against the door, taking a sip of her bottled water. “Well, my husband is currently being taken into custody on attempted rape allegations, and I’m here barricaded in my apartment waiting for Mom and Dad to send their PR staff to clean up this mess, so, yeah. I think you’re having a great day. Finally, good, respectful Hera messed up and Hallion comes out on top.”

Craig was in custody? Already? That was fast. And also weird. Maybe I wasn’t the first one who’d complained? Maybe there were others?

“You’re insane.” My fingers twitched, begging to grab her and shake her. “And think very highly of yourself.”

“No, you are jealous.” She stabbed my chest with her finger. “And you’re also out of here.”

She tried to slam the door in my face. Ransom reached a flattened palm against it, pushing it all the way open and sauntering inside with little effort. I followed him. I wasn’t going to leave until I told her my side of the story. Not because I cared about her opinion—but because she deserved to be tormented by the truth. It wasn’t about hurting her—it was about standing up for myself.

“You’re trespassing!” Hera exclaimed.

“Indeed.” Ransom headed for the kitchen, opening the fridge casually, fixing himself a lemonade. “Even still, my guess is you’re not going to call the police and report your sister’s visit right now. You know, considering the circumstances.”