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Recognizing the first signs of a panic attack, I pulled off the side of the road and laid my head on the steering wheel, trying to get myself under control. No matter what I did, tonight was going to be hell. I thought about just taking off, but the last time I’d done that he’d brought me back home, and the beating he’d given me had taken a month to heal. My wrist still ached on cold mornings where he’d broken it. I was pretty sure the doctor he’d brought home to see to the worst of my injuries hadn’t bought his explanation that I’d fallen down the basement stairs, but he’d paid the man enough money I figured he didn’t care. I didn’t think I could go through that again.
I was still fighting just to breathe when a tiny whine reached my ears. Next thing I knew, one of Walker’s puppies crawled up in my lap, shivering as if it were terrified. Poor thing probably was. She must have gotten in my car while I was saying goodbye to the others. Lord knew there were so many of them it was hard to not miss one.
“Where’d you come from, huh?” In answer, the pup just whined before taking a tentative lick at my hand. She trembled and snuggled into my arms.
I sat there with the vehicle in park and held the puppy while I got myself under control. The more I calmed down, the more the puppy settled. This meant I had to return the dog to the Iron Tzars compound. But if I did now, I’d never make it to the gala. I still had to shower and dress, to say nothing of doing my hair and makeup. He gave me an hour. It’d take me at least that. The thing didn’t start for two hours, but I knew he was there early to talk with the bigger donors who came before the event to write the checks. I normally wouldn’t be there for that, but when my father made up his mind about something, there was no denying him. He wanted me there early to meet the big donors for whatever reason. Denying him wasn’t the smart thing to do when I didn’t have backup. Then I’d take the puppy back to the compound afterward. While I was gone, she could stay in my suite. No one would bother her, and I could clean up any mess she made. I’d just have to leave the gala before my father so I had time to get home before he did. Hopefully, he’d be so drunk by then he’d forget my transgressions. At least until the next morning. Maybe I could still squeak this one out. Iris wouldn’t turn me away. Hopefully.
Calmed down and decision made, I set the puppy in the passenger seat on top of my sweater. She curled up and looked up at me but stayed where I put her. Then I continued on to my father’s estate.
The gala was like every other event I’d been to. Rich people pretending to give a damn about the community while shoring up their interest in the wealth to be had in our town. It turned my stomach, but not as much as seeing my dad.
To anyone else, he looked charming and friendly. Approachable, even. But I saw through the veneer of civility. Unless I was greatly mistaken, my dad was absolutely furious.
I swallowed, trying not to let my emotions show in my face. If I embarrassed him, it would be so much worse for me.
“Blossom.” He greeted me with a smile and pulled me into his arms for a hug. He squeezed me just that little bit too tight. When he pulled back, his hands bit into my shoulders, but he leaned in to growl at me. “I’ll deal with you when we get home.” His voice was right by my ear, an enraged whisper. When he pulled back completely, his smile was just as charming as ever. But his hands were tight on my arms, bruising my pale skin. “So glad you could join us, dear.” He looked over my shoulder and motioned to someone, beckoning them over. “Glen, meet my daughter, Blossom.”
Glen was an older gentleman I recognized from other political events. He’d always given me the creeps and was a little more touchy-feely than I liked.
“Yes. I remember. Lovely young Blossom.” He gave me a shark’s smile and pulled me in to kiss both cheeks before letting me go. “Won’t you sit with me tonight?”
“Of course, she will. I have a seat reserved for you at our table. You can get to know Blossom better.”
Oh, hell no.
“Blossom, Glen is trying to talk me into running for governor next term. He thinks I have a legitimate shot at the seat given how well I’ve done here in Evansville. The economy is thriving, crime is down, our schools are the best in the state. He thinks he can get me there.”
