AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I didn’t have the energy to argue, so I walked back to the table and dropped into the chair.
He joined me, taking Bartholomew’s seat.
It hurt to look across the table and see anybody but him.
Victor continued to stare at me with hesitancy. “So…are you okay?”
I took a drink of my wine. “Physically, yes.”
He eyed my right arm, where the nasty scar was visible. It was black and blue because the bruising would be there for several weeks at least. “I had no idea, Laura.”
“I know.”
“If I did…I would have shot him.”
I wasn’t sure if I believed that. He talked the talk, but he never walked the walk, not like Bartholomew.
“He asked me to come up here.”
My eyes narrowed. “He could have called.”
“He knew you wouldn’t answer. And if he came in the flesh…he wasn’t sure what would happen.”
Because he’s a fucking coward. “Now that you’ve seen me, you can head home.”
He remained motionless. “Are you still with him?”
I wanted to lie, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. “No.”
Victor’s eyes gave a subtle flash.
“He dumped me…and I don’t blame him.”
Victor watched me. “He should have told you the truth.”
“Maybe. But I shouldn’t have picked my psychotic father who couldn’t care less about me instead of the man who actually did care about me.” I couldn’t take it back now. I was alone, and being alone never bothered me until now. I felt vulnerable and exposed. I felt like I’d had a lottery ticket in my hand, and I’d let it slip away in the breeze.
“Bartholomew is a bad guy, Laura. It may not seem like it right now, but this is a blessing.”
“No. Leonardoisa bad guy. Bartholomew is a fucking saint compared to him.”
“He deals with some rough characters.”
“He killed the men who hurt me…and I didn’t even have to ask him.”
Victor’s eyes dropped momentarily, full of shame.
We sat in silence for a long time.
“Would you be willing to talk to him?” Victor asked.
“Who?”
“Your father.”
“Do I really need to answer that?”
He looked away again.
