When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion didn't need to step in to handle Thaddeus' cousin, or it'd be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Evelina's tone was dripping with sarcasm, "You? With what you've got, I doubt you're up for the task. Wasn't that school doctor acting all high and mighty before? What, turned into a scaredy-cat now?" "Shut your mouth."

Dorian snapped at Evelina, "Watch your mouth, okay?" He wouldn't even dare to speak to his cousin like that.

Evelina felt a sting of injustice for his attitude, "Dorian, what did I say that was so wrong?"

Thaddeus stared at Dorian with a half-smile, "Let her out. We'll talk about this alone."

"Yes, Evelina, leave us, and close the door."

"Dorian, I'm part of this too. Why do I have to leave?"

It seemed to Evelina that Dorian had stopped valuing her now that he had her. "Typical," she thought. "Once a man gets what he wants, he stops caring."

Dorian was growing impatient, "I said get out, can't you understand that?"

He didn't want Evelina to see him getting schooled by his cousin. He had his pride to think of.

her foot, Evelina stormed out, frustration bubbling within

the two men. Thaddeus sauntered over and pulled up a chair to sit, "You've been quite the player, haven't

in the bar as yours. Thought I was hearing things. Why didn't you just take off the

You getting hurt was your own doing. Don't drag anyone else into this,

"Thaddeus, is that school

why would his cousin personally come

know what you need

a bit? Who is this

off not knowing. Just don't make a fuss, and I'll talk with your mom about your grades." Dorian was

After all,

---

out of the car without a second thought. So focused on getting inside, she didn't watch her

arm, his eyes

him, "You haven't gone in,

been right here waiting for

to intervene; Thaddeus could

over so worriedly, still reeking of the barbecue

eased as she heard his words, "Good, as long as you haven't