"Say whatever you like. The lease is black and white — it doesn't expire for another seven days. Until then, I have every right to stay."
Only one thought occupied my mind.
I could not move out.
If I did, my father would find out that Giles and I had fallen apart.
I just had to keep up the act.
Seven days. That was all.
Giles assumed I was clinging to him. He raised an eyebrow, smug and dismissive.
"You think squatting here will make me change my mind?"
"You're Number Twelve. Nothing more, nothing less."
I took a long look at Lissa Perry.
Twenty-six years old, poured into a tight dress that left little to the imagination. Curves in all the right places, sure.
So this was the great love of his youth?
Tacky taste.
Giles didn't spare me another glance. He pulled Lissa toward the bedroom.
"Stare all you want — that's your business! I'm with Lissa now. If you want to play audience, be my guest!"
The bedroom door stayed open.
More accurately, Giles left it open on purpose.
Soon enough, sounds drifted out. Lissa's breathy giggles. Giles's exaggerated groans.
Disgusting.
My fists clenched.
Not from heartbreak. From rage.