I grin.
I glance at the door when I hear a noise from downstairs, and don’t look at my phone when it rings. Pushing the button, I put it to my ear as I move to make sure Remy is still outside.
“I told you we aren’t in the middle of sexy times, but I did get to pet a jaguar today.” I peek out the door and can’t hear anything.
“Excuse me, young lady.”
I spin to face the room. “Father?” I ask faintly.
“Of course it’s me. Who the hell did you think I was?” I press my hand to my chest and close my eyes. “Where are you? What are you doing, petting a wild animal? I don’t want to know anything about the other statement,” he grumbles, and I open my eyes. Dropping the phone, I swipe up and go to the text messages.
Rylee continues to text as I flounder, and I put the phone to my ear. I open my mouth, but nothing comes to mind. Moving around the room, I look around as if there is something here that will help me. I stop as I stare at the pictures on the wall. This is my safe place; he can’t get me here.
“I was playing a video game,” I blurt out, running my hand through my hair. “They have a bar in the game called sexy times. There was also a new element added today that allows you to raise animals and pet them.” I drop my hand and roll my eyes.
“Why are you planning games? You’re an adult.”
“I am. An adult.” I cover my eyes. “Did you need something?”
“You’ve been ignoring my calls,” he says.
“Sorry, I’ve been busy.” I plop onto the bed.
“Busy playing ridiculous games that are beneath you,” he says snidely.
“Among other things,” I mumble.
“Where are you?” he asks.
“I took a vacation,” I gulp, lying flat.
“A vacation from waitressing,” he says dryly.
“Yeah. It’s a thing. I work hard and need a break.”
“How are they managing without you?” Someone who didn’t know my father would assume his question praised my work ethic, but I know better. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going?”
“I—”
“What happened with your boyfriend?”
Shit. I don’t want to talk about Brian. He doesn’t want to admit that he arranged my relationship.
“It didn’t work out,” I say softly.
“Didn’t he have a job? A stable future. Young lady, you need to grow up. You can’t move through life having fun and playing video games. This is serious. When I knew you were in a good relationship, I left you alone, knowing he would keep you in line.Without him, I think I need to keep an eye on you.” I close my eyes. “Brian is a good man. Let go of the ridiculous dreams you have.”
“Father, we both know you set it up. Brian is an asshole who slept with someone else. Can we cut the shit and admit things instead of pretending?”
“Do not speak to me that way. I am your father. I raised you alone. Who supported you? At the very least, be grateful and give Brian a chance. A man has needs. I don’t know who he was with and I don’t care. As long as he is taking care of you, let him do what makes him happy.” I lurch up as I hear something and stare at Remy. He walks slowly into the room, his head tilted. “You can’t do better than him. You’ve been floating through life, working these ridiculous jobs, no future, no prospects, and no husband. Brian is in the business. He was looking forward to moving up in the company, and you ruined it.” I get on my knees at the edge of the bed. “If you apologize, he’ll take you back.” Remy holds out his hand, and I frown. “Women need a man to protect them. You could have had it all. You could have quit that meaningless job.” Remy curls his fingers, wordlessly demanding the phone. I shake my head, and he narrows his eyes. “Are you listening?”
“Yes, and I don’t want to do this anymore,” I whisper, staring at my angry mate. “I don’t want to speak to you again.”
“What you need to do is get your ass back here, apologize to Brian, and fall in line,” Father hisses.
I can’t reply because Remy takes my phone and puts it on speaker.
“I’m going to tell you what you need to do,” he growls, and I gasp. “You will never speak to Haven like that again. If she wants to talk to you, she’ll call. I despise men who think they are powerful, speaking down to those they believe are beneath them. I can guarantee Haven is the best thing you have done inyour miserable life, and I won’t allow anyone to disrespect her. Ever. It’s laughable that you speak of her protection when she has needed protection from you. The one man who should have cherished her and killed anyone who did anything less. Brian is a memory. He wasn’t worthy of her, and neither are you.” I press the back of my fingers to my mouth. “She has a man now. I will kill anyone who hurts her.”
