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“Theo,” he corrects. “I can’t say I’m happy about this. She moved on, she’s happy, surely seeing that is enough for you to walk away”
“No man will make her happier than I can. And I will never walk away,” I state with so much confidence, it leaves no room to question it. And I believe my statement. With every fiber in me.
“That’s a big declaration, Theo.” He smooths a hand down his shirt. “Even if I don’t like or agree with what you’re doing. I can admit that for some reason my daughter still cares about you. Just promise me one thing?” I nod for him to continue. “If she decides that she doesn’t want you, respect her decision. Walk away for good.”
My chest tightens at the thought. I will never walk away. “I can’t promise that.” I murmur honestly.
His eyes narrow on me, and he sighs. “I can see you love my daughter, Theo. That’s the only reason I will let this play out. Don’t for one minute think that I like the idea of you or your dirty hands on my daughter because I don’t. I think she deserves better, someone her own age. But if it’s you she chooses, I will accept it. I love my children, Theo, and would do anything for them. Even support them in being with someone likeyou.”
I reel back at his words.Someone like me.Yeah, I can appreciate his concern but there is no one better for Thalia than me. We may have veered off course, gone our separate ways for a little while there, but we will always come back to each other. We belong together.
“No one will love her like I do, Christian. I won’t hurt her again.”
“Actions speak louder than words, Theo, but I hope you’re right. The last thing I want is for Thalia to get hurt again.” He strides to the door, pulling it open. “I will be keeping an eye on everything. One slight inkling of her reverting to the shell she was when you broke her, you can mark my words. I will be coming for you. I will ruin you,” he threatens before he leaves, slamming the door after him. I smirk. That went better than expected for sure.
And I’ll prove to him that I mean business. Mr. Maxwell will see just how much I love my piccola. If it’s the last thing I do.
* * *
True to her word, I see Thalia the next day. It’s a rest day for the horses so we take a ride down to the beach. She rides next to me with a big, breathtaking smile on her face. This day, right here, could not be any more perfect. The golden sands. The blue ocean. My piccola. She waves her hands as she talks animatedly about the fashion show she road Lolli in and the Equestrian brand she represents. She is so in her element it makes my heart pinch.
She’s done a complete one eighty overnight. I think maybe me pushing her last night has played a part in that. I don’t tell her about her father’s visit. But I am going to ask her about the prince.
“How many horses do you have here?” I ask first, easing her into conversation.
“Four. I have Lolli, Roman, JC, and Robin. My father purchased him after...” she swallows. “Well, you know, after Zeus.”
You can tell the loss of Zeus still hurts her. I want to hold her tightly, comfort her, and never let anything harm her again. “I’m sorry that Zeus got caught in the crossfire of Mel’s vendetta. And you. I never wanted any of that for you, piccola,” I say softly, hopefully conveying with a look how sorry I am.
“It was never your fault, Theo. I don’t blame you. I was as much a part of what we did.”
I nod. “And your knee?” I have been so caught up in seeing her again, I forgot to ask. Jesus. I really am a selfish asshole.
She smiles. “It’s good. I still have PT once a month just to be safe, but I don’t suffer from any lasting effects.”
“That’s good. Again, another casualty of our love.” If I were a good man, I would walk away after everything she has been through due to our relationship. But I’m selfish and I want her.
“I wouldn’t change anything, Theo. Well, apart from Zeus still being here; but not what happened with us. Our relationship.”
I eye her for any sign that she’s lying but all I see is honesty. It settles something inside me. “Neither would I, piccola. I would do it all over again if it meant having you.” She blushes and it’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. I clear my throat. “What about the prince? Surely you can’t stay with him after what we did yesterday?”
She flinches so slightly, if I blinked, I would have missed it. “I want to talk to you about that. Not here though. Can you come to my apartment later tonight? I’m having dinner with my parents first but if you can come around nine, that would be perfect.” The apprehension in her voice worries me.
“I’ll be there.” I rush out, not even having to think about it. I may look desperate, but Iamdesperate, and I don’t care that Thalia sees my urgency to have this conversation.
Thalia chuckles. “Guess I’ll see you tonight then.”
