Instantly, I stood taller as love filled me.Lucas was choosing me.And why wouldn’t he?It was time to be me and not a child looking for my family’s approval.I’d already told them I wanted nothing to do with them, yet here they were again.Trying to run my life.
“How dare you?”my father roared.
Lucas ignored him and moved to my side.
“I told you to leave.”My voice was strong.I wasn’t going to stand here and let this happen.
My father’s face turned molten.“I’m not leaving until I get what I want.”
“Fine.Would someone please call the police.”I’d left my phone charging on the counter.
“You can’t do that,” my mother said.
“I can.”I didn’t want things to escalate that far, but I wasn’t going to stand for this either.My family made their bed, and it was time to answer for what they’d done.“You’ll have your day in court, Father.”
“This is going to ruin me, your mother, and your sister.”
It was no surprise that he didn’t mention me.“I can’t help if your actions hurt them.”
“You little bitch.”Kendall lunged toward me, and I automatically stepped back.
Lucas blocked her as Marcus and Asher stepped forward.
“Enough,” Lucas yelled.“You’ve been asked to leave, and you refuse.I will make sure the police cite you for trespassing, and your bail will be revoked.”
“You can’t tell me to leave, and the police won’t do anything.”
Fuck.I lifted my chin.“Yes, he can.This is my home, and Lucas is here at my invitation, as are all these witnesses.The three of you are not.I’ve been polite and asked you to leave, but you’ve refused.”Two police officers stood in the doorway behind my father.I blew out a breath.“One last chance: leave or this is out of my hands.”
My father crossed his arms over his chest.“No.You will take back what you did even if I have to beat you to do it.”
I stiffened.Lucas’ hands fisted, and I felt Marcus and Asher move closer to me.The two police officers shook their heads.One of them clasped my father on the shoulder.
“Sir, you’re under arrest.”
“For what?”
“Trespassing and violating your bail terms, if I heard right.Hands behind your back.”
My father looked stunned.He turned around and charged at me.I was pushed back into Marcus and Asher as Lucas stepped in front of me.My father never made contact with Lucas.The police officer grabbed him and handcuffed him.
“Let’s add assault of a police officer to the charges,” the officer said.
“Sir, you have the right to remain silent…” The other officer read my father his Miranda rights as he marched him out the door and to the police vehicle.
“Ladies, you need to leave, or you’ll be arrested for trespassing.”The other officer looked at my mother and sister.
“You’re not my daughter,” my mother said, lifting her chin in the air before she walked out.
Kendall looked at Lucas with big eyes.“Lucas, don’t do this to me.”
Lucas laughed.“Kendall, get the hell out.You’re nothing but a flea.You’re engaged.Go bother your fiancé.”
Kendall’s face fell, then she stomped her foot.“You’ll come crawling to me.”
“Like hell he will,” I muttered.
Lucas let out another laugh.“Like hell is a good description.More like when hell freezes over.Never in this lifetime.Valerie is the only woman for me.”
