A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“I’m not going anywhere, so you can just relax. An old man like me isn’t about to hire someone who’s sick to work for him.”

“What about the person who brought me here?”

“You mean Alessia? She’s in the other room changing clothes. That little girl’s stronger than she looks–carried you all the way here. Mind telling me what happened?”

Six fell silent.

“I think I can guess,” Xander went on. “She’s young, but she’s got some sense of responsibility. What about your parents?”

“They’re dead.” Six’s reply was flat, with not a hint of emotion.

Now it was Xander’s turn to fall silent.

“You don’t have to look at me like that. Honestly, it’s probably better this way.”

“What’s your name?”

“Six.”

“Six? Like the number?”

“It’s just easy to say.” No last name, not even an attempt to pretend.

bed and gave a bitter little laugh

you live? What

can stay anywhere.” He was alone, after all–what did it matter where he lived? “I don’t go to school anymore.

good and the bad–he found

was at a loss for words. Just then, the door creaked open and

“Father.”

you drink

did.” Alessia opened the box and set a pair of shoes by the bed. She stood up

11:55 1

Your old shoes didn’t make it,

If she was just asking

Alessia draped the towel back

off guard by her straightforwardness and found himself at a loss for

just how she is. Go on, put them on. She already cut the tags off, and there aren’t any other kids your age around here.

“…Thank you,” Six murmured.

they for him?” Alessia picked up one of the bottles, sniffed it, and set it back

malnourished. Let’s work on that first; once he’s eating well, he’ll start

Six knew

you are, I’ll have to start the soup early. You know, if

the money.” Six took off the towel and, this time, carefully