The Heir

Chapter 42

There's something I'd been curious about since I figured out that Ryan is one of my fathers soldiers. What's his assignment?

I know they all have one, each of the soldiers. So Ryan must as well. And the only thing I could think of that would make sense is that his assignment is to protect me.

I know he won't tell me. Neither will either of my parents or even Rocco. But Uncle Gio never lies. So I called him last night. He confirmed my suspicions; that Ryan's job is to watch after me. I'm not too sure how I feel about that.

I thought killing Will would make me feel better. That a weight would be lifted off my shoulders. I got rid of my stalker, I should be relieved. I should be fucking celebrating.

But I still feel like I can't breathe. Like there's a lead boot pressing on my chest. Crushing my ribs and making each breath painful. The only thing is, I can't figure out why.

Ryan keeps saying I'm stressed out. That I need to slow down and prioritize my responsibilities. But I've dealt with more than this before. Granted, I've never had to lie the way I do now.

Mid year exams are only a few weeks away and this years course load is the hardest I've ever taken. I've been slacking a bit in that department; skipping out on study groups and turning in half assed work.

My brother has gotten his shit together, to an extent. No more visits to the headmaster or being kicked out of class. But he's been smoking more, out in the open. I can't help but to worry about what's going on with him. I know he won't tell me though, even if I asked.

Hannah has been moping ever since Will went "missing." I guess she really liked the guy; he must've been one hell of a manipulator. But I can't quite bring myself to care. Because her jealousy and hatred towards me has gone too far.

Ryan's been spending more and more time with Lina. Ever since that senior dumped her they've been practically joined at the hip. I'm happy for him, really. I know how much he likes her and I know how good they'd be together. But I miss my best friend sometimes.

Ballet has reached its peak. In just a few weeks, right before exams, I'll dance the most important performance of my life so far. I'll dance for the scouts.

They come from all over the world to recruit the very best; Russia, France, England, America. Each country sends a plane full of critical and scrupulous professionals.

As mad as I am with my father, I want him there. I can't explain why but when I know he's in the audience, I dance better. Maybe I'm trying to prove myself. Maybe I'm just trying to make him proud. It doesn't matter, though. He promised he'd come and that man never breaks his promises.

It's nearly sunrise in New York; I hope he took my warning seriously.

And of course, Rome. The very reason that my lies have lies. That the truth is delicately hidden behind carefully worded responses and a fake smile.

Sure, I've lied to my father before. I used to get caught right away but I've learned to hide my body language. How to phrase things in ways he won't question. The same can be said for my mom and uncle and everyone else at home.

I've been lying to the people at Montrose since day one. About who I am, who my family is. That's always been easy. My prissy, sheltered classmates don't think twice as I weave my lies together.

But I've never lied to Ryan before. Ever.

He was the only person I could trust with the truth. I knew that no matter what, he'd keep my secrets. And I kept his.

But he's one of my fathers soldiers now and as much as I hate it, that changes things. For lack of a better word, his loyalty has been to me for the last eleven years. He would never tell my father the kinds of mischief I get up to. He would never reveal my secrets.