A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“York.”

No one had ever called him by that name before–he almost didn’t realize she meant him.

“Are you hungry? How about I make you something nice to eat?”

York wanted to act tough, but his stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.

He hadn’t eaten since last night, hadn’t managed much sleep either. The more he thought about things that morning, the worse he felt, and he’d slipped out without breakfast. He’d tried hiding out in a fast food place, but after the staff ke

where his parents were, he’d taken off again.

ing

The city sidewalks were packed, but he had nowhere to go. He flagged down a cab, and by the time he got out, he’d somehow wandered near this

neighborhood–following half–remembered directions from a previous visit. By some stroke of luck, he actually found the house.

“I… I want some pound cake.” York mumbled, not meeting Karen’s eyes.

Karen noticed how red his ears were and bit back a smile, nodding before realizing

he couldn’t see her.

I’ll whip one up right now. You

attention to Ivan.

cake for you boys. Play in your room, no running around, and no

ute for

Karen still looked a little uneasy,

the two

working on a canvas. York, bored, wandered around the little room–really just one space divided in two–trailing after the family dog

really alright in the head?” York muttered, scowling, hands behind his back like a little old man. “She

squeezing into this shoebox.”

wonder Aaron says women are

grumbled to himself, but Ivan paid him no mind, quietly filling

shadows over

restless. Eyes darting mischievously, he shuffled over

painting?” He squinted at the canvas, frowning at the heavy reds

blacks.

ignored him, focusing on

paint cabinet and started flipping through