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Eight months.
That was how long it had been since I’d seen or spoken to the man.
“Call you later,” Lincoln said as Daniel held up his phone.
He had barely disappeared when our father started in. “I told you thatcareerof yours was a dead end.”
Not that I’d expect any concern for my well-being, but if he knew I’d been suspended, he most definitely knew the reason why. Would it have killed him to ask if I was okay?
“I’m out.” I spoke to my brother as if our father wasn’t there. “Meet me later this week? With Beau?”
It was petty, but I wanted Dad to know we were a familywithouthim. We didn’t need him. I didn’t want him.
“Yeah. She’s staying with me when she gets in.”
I nodded. At least my sister arriving was good news.
Our father didn’t move from where his hulking frame took up the doorway.
“You nearly got a man killed. Did you think of the consequences of that?” He wore that same stern look he’d had all my life. An exterior of stone. “Who do you think that family is going to come after? You’ll cost me everything I’ve worked for while you’ve been out attempting to play superhero.”
Ah. Now the surprise ambush made perfect sense. He was afraid Cassano would sue my family along with the city and whoever else the lawyers thought to throw in. Because I came from money. But it wasn’t mine, and it never would be.
Cassano wouldn't do that either. We were brothers too.
“I’m sure you’ve done more than necessary to shore up your fortune so it’s untouchable.” I lifted a brow. “Are you finished?”
“It’s obvious you have no regard for me, but don’t you care about your brother and sister? What they stand to lose? And your mother would be so dis—”
“Don’tbring her into this,” I said, my voice low and guttural.
“That’s enough.” Lincoln stepped between us. “Teague risked his life to save that man. If it weren’t for Teague, he’d be dead.”
My brother had always been the steel wall between my father and me. And I was never more grateful, though I hated he had to fight my battles.
“Don’t be a fool.” My father made a disgruntled noise. “Teague has always been reckless. If it weren’t for him—”
“We’ll speak when I get to the office,” Lincoln said in an authoritative tone.
Dad was none too pleased at being cut off. He flicked his hand at me. “It’s time to grow up. You need to join the family business and take some of the burden off your siblings. And be where I can keep a bridle on you before you destroy anything else.”
He turned on his heel and disappeared, always the one with the last word.
“Don’t worry about him. He’ll get over it.” Lincoln placed a hand on my shoulder.
“He’s had thirty-four years to do that. Sounds like he’s just getting warmed up.” I looked away. My father’s words were like flaming arrows. I’d wondered a thousand times if they would have any effect on me if there was no truth in them. But there was. And they did.
The hurt he inflicted was far worse that the massive bruise on my chest and stomach.
“Beau and I are proud of you for doing what you love. It takes guts to stand up to him. More than I’ll ever have,” he muttered.
“Oh yeah? From where I’m standing, all you do is stand up to him,” I challenged.
“Hello? Is anybody in this monstrosity of an apartment?”
We both looked at each other at the sound of the familiar voice.
“Up here,” we said at the same time.
