“You dead ass?”
“I’m neither dead or an ass.”
“Then you’re kidding,” I said.
Dad wasn’t kidding.
“You’ll be working with him?—”
No.
“Learning the ropes?—”
No.
“And paying him back for the damages you caused?—”
I stared at Marlon like he might object and save me, but his eyes flicked away.
“Discipline—” Dad continues.
Fuck no.
“Structure—”
Absolutely not.
“Exactly what you need?—”
“Fuck that!” I palmed the table and stood up. “I ain’t going nowhere!”
“Little girl, who you raising your voice at?”
“I ain’t little neither,” I said through gritted teeth. “I’m a grown ass woman, Daddy. I could make my own decisions!”
“With who’s money?” Dad asked. “Living in what condo? The one I pay for? Huh? You have a job that supports your own upkeep, Aurora?”
I swallowed.
“Then. Sit. Down.”
I didn’t. My mind screamed for me to yield but I stood defiant. “I don’t wanna go.”
“You don’t have a choice.”
“I could move out.”
“And stay where? Because Iwillput out a memo stating anyone putting you up will no longer do business with me.”
Fuck.
“I can stay with Orim.”
“I spoke with Clay already.” My heart free-fall. “I would be surprised if his daughter speaks to you ever again. Do you think that situation will be better once I pull all Sucré products from his distribution company?”
My eyes widened. “Dad, come on. Orim had nothing to do with it. It was all my idea.”
“I bet. But do you see how your actions affect others?”
