Rita’s POV

“I have a date,” I said.

Ryan did not look up from the papers on the kitchen island. Morning after the pantry. The twenty-four hours were still running. I had no underwear on under a longer dress because I was petty and I was still in his rule and I wanted him to see I could walk out of the house anyway.

“No,” he said.

“I did not ask.”

“Who.”

“Daniel Ward. He works with the firm that handles your father’s east contracts. We met through Lila’s cousin. Dinner. Public. I am going.”

That got his eyes. Not jealous in a boy way. Colder. The look he used...