Page 450 of Ruthless Court

“She didn't want your program.”

His throat moves.

“She wanted you.”

“I know.”

Barely audible.

That matters more than I expected.

He rubs one hand over his face.

“I know that now.”

I let the silence sit.

Then lean back.

“So here's what I'm asking.”

His eyebrows rise.

“I'm listening.”

“I want to stay for Christmas.”

“With us.”

“If you'll have me.”

“And Hannah knows?”

“No.”

“That part still bothers me.”

“Same.”

His mouth almost moves.

“But there are conditions.”

He stares.

“You came into my gym unregistered, called me old man, suggested you might become my son-in-law, and now you're giving me conditions?”

“When you say it all together, it sounds aggressive.”

“It is aggressive.”

“Still.”

I hold up one finger.

“No game film.”

His eyes narrow.