“Lose me? I don’t think you need to worry about that, Adelle. You’ve tightened my leash over the past few days, you do realize.” I stared right back at her annoyed look. She shouldn’t rule my life.

“I’m sorry, Fame. I know you think I’m being horrible, but I’m not.” She was acting defiant. What had gotten into her?

“I think that’s for me to decide.”

She recoiled, stung.

“Fame, please. I just want to protect you.” She was wheedling now. She would’ve gotten down on her knees if she didn’t think Gianna was watching. Which she probably was. I didn’t care.

“Listen, Adelle. You have been my protector,” I sneered the word, “since I was created. I know all I need to know. It’s time to maybe reverse the roles a little bit. You’re the one that should be protected, not me.”

“Now, that, Fame, is for me to decide. You think you know everything, but you don’t.”

I sneered. “Oh, sure, Adelle. Whatever you say.”

“That’s right, Fame. Whatever I say.”