Rox prepared himself for the lecture he was about to receive. He could hear their conversation from a mile away; he didn't even have to strain his ear to hear the heavy, angry stomping of Debby's feet.
"One thing. I asked you to do one thing, and you messed up," she said in such a flat tone, it felt like a slap to his cheek.
He slowly sipped his coffee. "Well, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Debby fumed.
Forcing a look of remorse, he replied, "I'm sorry I forgot."
"That's not enough, Rox," Oron said, coming up beside Debby, who instinctively turned and began knotting his tie.
They weren't even married yet, and they were already acting like a couple. "Debby and I are getting married next month," Oron said, and Rox glared at him. He hated when Oron pried into his thoughts.
"Don't do that."
"Make sure you take care of Kara today since you made her fall sick," Oron proudly said with a stern tone.
Grinding his teeth, Rox tried to remain calm. "Hell no. I have football practice today, and I've got a party at 8 p.m. I'm not babysitting!"
"Language, Rox, and that's your punishment for being a jerk: babysitting duty."
Grinding his teeth, he retorted, "What type of parents make their child not go to school?"
"What kinda kid likes school?" Rai questioned, running down the stairs and heading for the door.
Sila tapped Rox's shoulder, chugging down a bottle of water. "Ah, I envy you, bro."
The look Rox gave him could melt steel. "Fine, why don't you babysit instead?"
With a snort, Sila chuckled. "Hell no. Anything but a red-haired demon."
Gen bit into an apple, heading out behind Sila. "Have fun, bro."
"I'll murder you," Rox murmured darkly, sipping his cold coffee.
Cringing a bit, Gen took a step back. "I don't doubt that."
"I can sue you for denying me my right to freedom of movement," Rox snapped at Oron, who arched an arrogant brow two hands in his back pockets.
Kent, Oron's secretary, picked up his briefcase as Oron strolled to the door in a graceful walk with his hands in his pockets. "I'm the mayor of this town. I'd love to see how you'd win that case. Stay home, Rox, I mean it. Kara better be up on her feet by tomorrow, understood?"
Reluctantly, Rox nodded. "Got it, sir."