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Nora flinches, but covers it up.
“As you know, Brand was injured when he was saving my life,” she places emphasis on those words. “I’m here to help him while he’s recovering. It’s the least I can do.”
As Nora’s father rolls his eyes, I remember the day of the accident, and how I’d glanced behind me and saw him and his wife, talking to the EMTs. Nora’s mother was anxious and hysterical, while Maxwell was as cool as he could be. Almost unconcerned.
What kind of father does that?
I stick out my hand. “I don’t think we’ve officially ever met. Brand Killien.”
Maxwell stares at my hand for a minute, almost in distaste, before he stiffly takes it.
“Maxwell Greene,” he replies gruffly. He looks immediately away to Nora.
“It’s time to come home. You’re supposed to be relaxing this summer, getting ready for the Fall. And William is at our house. He’s waiting to talk to you.”
Nora instantly goes pale. The horror on her face is obvious and very, very revealing.
She opens her mouth, then closes it.
I step forward.
“I don’t mean to intrude, but Nora promised me that she would take me to Physical Therapy this evening.”
Her father barely glances at me. “Well, I guess you’ll have to get someone else to do it. Nora, I’ll meet you back at home.”
You’re welcome for saving your daughter’s life, asshole.
He starts to walk toward his car.
Nora is frozen, but then she glances at me.
I nod. Be strong, Nora. Don’t let him control you.
She looks into my eyes, searching for something, something I can’t name. She must find it, because she squares her shoulders and takes a step.
“Actually, dad, I can’t come home right now. I’ve got an obligation here. I gave my word, and I need to keep it. Isn’t that how you raised me?”
Her voice starts out tremulous, but grows steadier. Maxwell stops in his tracks, then turns slowly.
I can see the displeasure on his face, from the idea that his daughter dared to defy him.
There’s a coldness in his eyes that is familiar to me. I used to see it in my own father.
He takes a step, and I move slightly in front of Nora.
I stare into his face.
If you want her, you’ll come through me, asshole.
Humor fills his eyes.
“Are you going to do something, gimp?” Maxwell asks, his voice quiet and even. I smile at this. I could level this guy out with two gimpy legs and one hand tied behind my back. But I don’t say that. I don’t have to. He knows.
I stand my ground because actions speak louder than words.
Maxwell stares at his daughter, his gaze unyielding.
Finally, he turns.
