“You have several,” I reply reasonably. “You listed a few: a job in town, roommates. Hell, you could even just say fuck it and return home. Apply for late entry at whatever mediocre school suits your fancy best. I can assure you the board won’t be so spiteful as to tarnish your reputation outside of Thorn Falls. You haven’t pissed anyone off that much.”

Though she came pretty close with Cross. I think he might have stepped in if it wasn’t for me. That would not have been fun for my innocent, prudish little ghost. She’s also lucky his attention’s currently exclusively focused on Lily. A few years ago, he would have had her hanging in a swing and half of the cocks in town taking a turn with her to atone for her threat.

“This is the best school! It’s my best option. Most of the Ivy League don’t even compare.”

“Which makes it your choice,” I insist, needing her to understand this. “You believe you deserve the best. I happen to agree.”

Frustration and shame battle for dominance as Claire shakes her head before looking down.

“Don’t you wonder what it would be like? Being taken care of,” I ask gently.

She doesn’t have much experience with it. Her basic needs were met, sure, but if she ever wanted anything past the required food and clothes and housing, she had to work for it. And some desires were not permitted.

“In exchange for sex.”

I shrug. “Nothing’s free in life. And you have nothing else that could tempt me.”

She’s not meeting my eyes, chewing on her bottom lip. I know she’s made her decision. Voicing it is another story.

“You want to see your room?” I offer, heading out of the kitchen towards the elevator.

It was renovated five years ago, but retains an antique look, with wooden panels and glass windows. I don’t look behind to see whether Claire is following me. Of course she is.

“The penthouse floor is my cousin’s,” I tell her, pointing to the top button, before pressing the one right underneath. “It’s supposed to be mine, technically, as Sebastian graduated, but he’s often around because his girlfriend’s still studying here. So our floor’s the second to last.”

“Our?” she repeats.

I smile. “Each member of the Vesper Tower gets a floor. Mine happens to include two guest suites. You’ll stay in the largest.”