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That wouldn’t stop me. I’d do whatever it took to ensure they both understood fucking with the Thibodeaux family was not in their best interest.
“Exactly.”
As the city came into view, I realized just how right my brother was for once.
Letting her go was going to be the most difficult decision I’d made in my life.
CHAPTER23
Raven
Love.
Fickle.
Unabashed.
Often crazy and unexpected.
It was insane to feel the way I did after everything I’d learned, but in waking up in Arman’s bed, knowing he’d purposely stayed away, it had instantly struck me how much in love with him I truly was.
I’d remained in my room until late morning, taking a long hot shower as I allowed my brain to try to process everything I’d heard. The worst thing about the story Arman had relayed was that it all made sense. My father’s refusal to talk about his past or whether I had grandparents, the need to keep his two children sheltered. Even the way he and Mother acted around each other indicated my assessment of them had been right.
Now I sat in the music room, uncertain of my feelings. I didn’t care that it was only two in the afternoon or that I had no sense of the future. Alcohol seemed to be an excellent choice. I tickled the ivories, not playing anything that made sense, just runs and chords that came to mind. The ache was so large inside that I had no understanding of what to do with it.
There were so many questions without answers, so many aspects about what I’d heard that didn’t make sense, yet I had no way of finding out anything useful.
“Daddy said you could play.”
Hearing Zoe’s voice, I stiffened. “I was forced to take lessons as a child. I thought sitting here would bring some comfort. I’m sorry if I invaded your space.” As soon as I moved to get up, she walked further into the room.
“I’m not in the mood to play. I do so most of the time because my mother was an amazing pianist. I know it soothes my father.”
“I thought you were going to be a concert pianist or something.” I took a sip of wine, wishing the liquor would do something to my mood. It seemed nothing would at this point.
“I think my father would like me to be, but I want to become a nurse. Help people.” She leaned on the piano. “You’re in love with him. Aren’t you?”
I almost choked on the wine, fighting to keep from spitting out a sip. “You know how we got together.”
“I heard. But I’m also not blind.” Zoe rolled her eyes. “You two were meant for each other.”
“He told me he didn’t want to be with me any longer.”
“Did he really?”
“In certain terms.”
“I know I’m only almost eighteen and all, but can I give you a piece of advice?”
There was so much spunk in the girl that she reminded me of who I was at her age. What was I saying? I was still that girl. Maybe a little battered and bruised, but I usually fought for what I wanted. “Absolutely.”
“My dad is a softie underneath that crusty thing he has going on. But I know better. He doesn’t want you to feel trapped and that’s why he won’t tell you what he’s really feeling. But I know him better than anyone. He lights up when you’re around. I can tell how happy he is. You too. You were meant for each other. Like the most elegant fairy princess in the world waiting for her Prince Charming.”
I wanted to laugh and tell her not to believe, but I couldn’t destroy her hopes and dreams. “I do care about your father.”
“Then why aren’t you putting up a fight for him? And against whatever this is. I might not know much about his business, but I’m not blind either. Or deaf. He’s not the best of men according to some people, but to me he’s my dad. He’s been here through everything. You know? Fight for him.”
“I’m not sure how.”
