Page 90 of Legacy

Callum, the NFL star who’d gotten hurt too young. Bodhi, the one who everyone had so quickly believed to be a murderer. Teagan, the elder daughter, left behind. Finnian, the one who got his high school girlfriend pregnant and hadn’t stayed with her. It didn’t matter that they loved each other as friends now because Finnian would always have that scarlet letter, just like Promise. Briar, the daughter who had gotten out and married a rock star.

Sterling, the one who people spoke of but never truly understood.

And Malcolm. The one they lost.

The Ashfords were their own story, their own secret web.

And I wanted to know more.

I just wanted him.

Callum kissed the top of my head as I finally was able to breathe.

“I really just wanted to walk through his office, just for a moment. Then we can head back to my parents’ house.”

Callum squeezed my hand. “Okay. Do you want me to meet you there?”

I shook my head. “Go with me?” I asked, knowing what I was asking.

He let out a sigh. “I’ll tell him. Maybe not today.”

I shook my head. “No, today’s not the day.”

“Are you sure about me? I told you that I’m not the right man for you. And they’re going to think that I’m preying on you.” His deep voice was practically a growl, shivering down my spine.

“Stop it. My family loves you.”

“Your family loves me as your brothers’ friend. Not so much the one who’s fucking precious Felicity.”

“Don’t say it like that.”

He raised a brow. “It’s the truth.”

Anger coursed through my veins, and I pushed at him. “If you’re going to keep thinking that I’m some precious virginal flower or some shit, just leave. I’m not a piece of property. I’m not perfect. I’m making my own decisions.”

“I don’t think I’m the right one for you.”

I glared at him, my hands fisting at my sides. “Then go. If you’re not the right one for me, just go.”

“I’m not letting you stay here alone.”

“You’re not my father.”

“No, we both know I’m not.”

And there he was, that overprotective asshole that I’d always known. He had tried to keep it in check these last weeks, but he really sucked at it.

I merely shook my head. “I’ll meet you at the house. We can keep this secret for a little longer, but then I’m done. Done hiding. It’s time to deal with the consequences.”

“I won’t let them hurt you.”

“Callum, they’re not going to hurt me.”

“No, that’ll be me.” He leaned down, pressed a hard kiss to my lips, and left me alone in my office, wondering what the hell I was doing.

I took a few moments, walking through the small rooms that still smelled of Gregory’s aftershave.

“Why did you have to go? And why did you think I could do this on my own?” I whispered, another tear tracking down my cheek.