Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 617

Larissa immediately understood his strategy. “So, it’s actually better that Rigby and Sire don’t fully trust you yet. They’ll act on their own, which will make Fraser and the others more confident that their plan is succeeding.”

“Exactly,” Haskell said with a wry smile. “It’s all part of the plan.”

“You really are his brother, aren’t you?” Larissa teased. “A minute ago, I felt sorry for you because your own brother didn’t trust you. Now, I’m starting to feel sorry for Rigby, being used like this.”

Haskell looked out the window at the distant mountains, his smile fading into something more serious. “Consider it his first lesson as a member of the Palmer family, taught by his older brother.”

His words reminded Larissa of an old saying: to truly love someone is to plan for their future. With a brother like Haskell, Rigby would be just fine.

Thatch’s greed had nearly cost Haskell his legs, but it had also led him to the truth about Draven. Every cloud has a silver lining.

…

Back at the apartment, Sire signed to Rigby as soon as the door was closed: [You did well. Your brother is convinced we trust him completely now. He thinks we’re only after Thatch.]

A complex, bitter smile touched Rigby’s lips. “Don’t forget, Sire, I’m an actor. A little performance like that is nothing.”

He hesitated. “But… are we really going to do this behind Haskell’s back?”

Sire was silent.

“If we go after Zoltan,” Rigby continued, “and it turns out we were wrong, what happens then? Have you thought about the consequences, Sire?

…

That evening, after discussing more birthday party details with her parents, Larissa was video-calling Haskell when a message popped up from Avril Palmer.

[Larissa, bad news! Torrin contacted me again! He said your birthday is coming up and he has a big, unforgettable surprise planned for you!]

[I’m really worried he’s going to cause a scene! But don’t worry, I’ll do my best to handle him before your party. I won’t let him ruin your birthday!]

It had been so long since she’d heard anything about Torrin that Larissa had almost forgotten about her ex-boyfriend.