The Bloodline She Burned novel · Chapter 15 of 24
Chapter 15: Nina's Price
Nina read the letter aloud twice, and it said the same thing both times.
"I can't enter a bracket without the holder's signature," she said. "Registration closes at nine tonight."
"Camille will sign," Gabriel said. "At a price."
"What price?"
"The one she's already named," Roz said.
The bell over the door rang below them.
Camille came up the stairs in a cream coat with a white box of pastries, smiling.
"I brought croissants," she said. "Nina, you look dreadful. Sit down."
Nina did not sit.
"You bought my contract."
"I bought it for four dollars, which is what Dad's accountant thought it was worth," Camille said gently. "I'm sorry. It's a very small number."
Gabriel took one step forward and Roz put a hand on his arm.
"What do you want?" she said.
"Almost nothing." Camille set the box on the counter. "Northlight is hosting a press evening at six. Cameras, the whole foundation. You'll come, and you'll kneel, and you'll say you're sorry for the stairs."
"The bet is a loss on the stage."
"Then call it an early installment."
"And Nina signs?"
"She signs in front of everyone. I'll even hold the pen."
Camille looked at her with warm, wet, patient eyes.
"You always came when I called," she said. "You know that."
Nobody spoke.
Then Roz said, "Six o'clock."
Nina's mouth fell open.
Camille smiled, kissed the air near Nina's cheek, and went back down the stairs.
"You're not kneeling," Nina said.
"I'm not."
"Then why did you say yes?"
Roz looked at Gabriel.
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