“Cori, he didn’t say all that,” Dad sighs.
“That’s a stretch. But refresh my memory, are you a psychologist or psychiatrist?” Dax asks.
“No, but you need about a dozen of each to find out what the hell is wrong with you.”
“Like I said, I’m a modern man and—”
“Dad, the fact that you’re trying to convince me to marry a psycho proves you’re not a modern man,” I snap.
“And I understand chemistry. Your mother and I—”
“Please don’t make me vomit.”
“Listen, chemistry is—”
“Stop saying chemistry!” Dad’s eyes widen, and his head rolls back at my outburst.
“He’s too old for me.”
“I’m only thirty-six, and you know that. It didn’t matter all those times you made love to me.”
“I wouldn’t touch you if my life depended on it,” I lie. “You disgust me. No woman will have you. That’s why you’retrying to buy me.”
I know the last statement is a lie. I’ve been out in public with him, and almost every woman with a pulse smiles at him.
He looks at my mouth and licks his lips. He inches closer, as if he wants to kiss me, but I lean back.
If I were fast enough, I’d smack him clear across his smug face, but I know what would happen. He’d wrap his arm around my wrist and possibly pull me close.
“Cori, you’re twenty-eight years old. He’s not too old for you. I’m seven years older than your mother, and we’ve had a happy marriage.”
Having enough of this, i head toward the door. “Because Mom chose to marry you. And heistoo old because I say he is. This is not the same. I’m done here. It’s not going to happen.”
I only take two steps before Dad’s next words stop me in my tracks. “If you walk out of here, you’re going to condemn your mother to that wheelchair forever, Corine. Are you prepared to do that?”
Chapter 24
Dax
That stops her in her tracks. I expected this fight. Hell, I looked forward to it, and she hasn’t disappointed. From the shock, outrage, lies, and anger. She’s beautiful in all her emotions.
I gesture for her to return. The only way she’s leaving is with my ring on her finger.
Her father’s statement is unfair. He was the one driving the car, and though it wasn’t his fault, Cori had nothing to do with her mother’s circumstances. Part of me feels bad, but I shove those feelings away. I can ask for forgiveness later. I want what I want right now.
“Now, let’s talk.” Leander’s voice is calm, but he’s still sweating like he’s run a marathon. “Dax has given me his word he won’t ever hurt you and will always be a gentleman where you’re concerned.” I didn’t say all that, but he’s right. “And he’s rich, honey. You’ve been unhappy working for Armstrong, so you're free to quit now. You can finally go to fashion school. He’ll payyour tuition and whatever you want. He’ll invest in your fashion business.”
Cori doesn’t respond, but a tear slowly slides down her cheek. She doesn’t bother to wipe it away. I itch to do it, but I’m certain she’ll hit me.
She takes a deep breath. “Okay.” I’m immediately on alert at her docile tone. “Once Mom has the surgery and rehab, I’ll marry him. Draft up a contract,” she says.
“You know that’s not enforceable, Bella,” I chide. “Nice try.”
“I’ll give you my word,” she sneers.
“Stop playing, Cori. This is serious. This is for your mother. Don’t be selfish.” She flinches. It’s subtle, but I catch it, and I die a little inside.
“Selfish?” she asks. “I gave you the money I saved for school because of Mom’s bills. I postponed school to stay home and take care of her. Devin didn’t have to do a thing. He went off to college without a care in the world and promptly flunked out, and you have the nerve to call me the selfish one when I had to give up everything. Wow.”
