Chapter Thirty
Malachi's POV
My phone rang at seven in the morning. Layla's name flashed on the screen.
I considered ignoring it. Nothing good ever came from conversations with my mother. But curiosity won out.
"What do you want, Layla?"
"Is that any way to greet family?" Her voice dripped with false sweetness. "I'm just calling to check on you. Make sure you're settling in well at Dark City."
"I'm fine. Was that all?"
"Actually, I wanted to give you some advice. About that girl."
My jaw tightened. "Alicia."
"Yes. Her." Layla's tone shifted, became colder. "Be careful around her, Malachi. She's not what she seems."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning she's manipulative. Calculating. She wormed her way into your grandfather's good graces, and now she's probably doing the same to you. Don't let her fool you with that innocent act."
I almost laughed.
"Thank you for the concern," I said flatly. "But I can handle myself."
"I'm just trying to protect you—"
"Goodbye."
