Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

“Yes, I don’t really want to kill you,” he added. “You’re
my only son, after all.”
“No, I mean I’m not eleven anymore.” I grabbed a clean T-
shirt and hoodie out of my duffel bag and kicked the door
closed again. “I’ll be more difficult to strangle now.”
Prick.
He was silent for a moment, and I could just imagine the
look on his face. My father was a master at not losing his cool.
He rarely did.
But it would be in his eyes. That hint of aggravation. The
distaste for my childishness.
If I weren’t his blood and sole heir, I have no doubt he
would’ve killed me long ago.
“The town is buzzing with the news,” he continued,
changing the subject. “I want to capitalize on the momentum.
The Crists are having an engagement party for Michael and
Erika in a week. You’ll go with Ari, and bring the other two,
as well. They’re your family now, too, and their reputation
needs repair.”
“And they’ll achieve that by showing up with me?” I
thought out loud. The irony of my presence helping anyone’s
reputation was not lost on me.
“I have to go.” I cut him off. I’d do what he asked, so no
argument from me on this one. I wanted to go to the party
because everyone would be there.
“Just a heads up…” he told me. “Luka and Dower stopped
Winter and some guy on the road tonight. She had a bag
packed.”
I stopped, waiting for the rest. “And?”
“And she’s back home where she belongs.”
I relaxed, knowing she wouldn’t have gotten far, but I still
needed the confirmation. I knew she would try, though. I
hoped she’d try again.
Some guy...