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I rub a hand up and down Harper’s arm. “I need to speak with Dad in my office. Don’t go anywhere. I won’t be long.”
With wide eyes, she nods. Color has drained from her face, and she looks ready to bolt. Is she worried about getting caught together or if my father is going to have harsh words to say to her for what she did to me? I won’t let that happen. She’s been through enough. Once he knows the truth, he’ll understand.
“Don’t leave,” I say again. Harper sits on her chair. Satisfied that she won’t leave, I lead my father into my office.
As soon as the door closes behind us, my father’s face turns thunderous. “Why is that bitch still here? More importantly, what are you doing with her? Are you back together? Do you remember what she did to you?”
I hold up my hands to calm him down. “Dad, relax. It’s okay.”
His eyes practically bulge from his head. “Relax? Relax? How can you tell me to relax? She left you for money. While I was by your hospital bed, not knowing whether you’d live or die, she was marrying another man.” My father jabs a finger at me. “She almost killed you!”
“Ialmost killed myself. It wasn’t her fault. None of it was. She had her reasons for marrying Derek. He blackmailed her.”
My father gives a mirthless laugh. “Is that what she told you? She wasblackmailed? She wanted money. Don’t believe a word from her lying mouth.”
I have to take a deep breath to calm the anger building inside me. I hate the way he’s talking about Harper, but I know it’s coming from a place of concern for me. “It’s true. She did it all to help her family…us.”
He jerks his head like I slapped him. “What are you talking about?”
I explain about Harper’s father’s gambling debts, Derek using her family for his political campaign, and about the fire he’d set in our Paris building when she tried to leave him.
“That son of a bitch did us all a favor when he died,” he says, scrubbing a hand behind his neck.
What does that mean? The hairs on the back of my neck rise. “Did you have any dealings with Derek?”
He waves a dismissive hand at my question. “No. I know his reputation. He’s a snake and used anyone to get what he wanted.”
“Exactly, and he used Harper. She paid the price for nine years.”
He gives me a skeptical look. “You believe her story?”
I nod. “I do.”
“Then you’re delusional. If he left her with nothing, she’s here for money. Getting back with you is the way to do it.”
I scrub my hand through my hair, frustrated that he won’t let this go. “Dad, enough. It’s not like that. I know it was tough seeing me in the hospital. I understand your concern, but she’s in my life again. I’m not expecting you to welcome her with open arms, but please be civil toward her. That’s all I ask.”
“Stay away from her. I don’t care what bullshit story she’s spun, I don’t trust her.” A vein ticks at the side of my father’s temple.
“Dad, I don’t want to hurt you, but this is my life, and Harper is a part of it again. You’re going to have to get used to it.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “Fine. But if she hurts you again, she’ll be dealing with me.” The fierce expression on his face tells me he means every word.
To change the subject, because talking about Harper is only making him tense, I say, “What brings you to the office?”
“I was nearby, having drinks with a friend. Thought I’d stop in to see if any of my boys were still working. I wanted to say hello.”
“What are you doing next Sunday? We haven’t played golf in a while. If you’re available, I’ll tell Hayden and Lucas to join us.”
“Sounds good.” My father smiles for the first time since coming into the office. “I should go. I’ll see you Sunday.”
I step in front of him to lead him out of the room and also to buffer Harper from any confrontation that may occur. When I open the door, she’s not at her desk. I give a quick glance around the office.
She’s gone.
Chapter Thirty
HARPER
