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Half an hour later, I was clean and had dried my hair. I finally realized what I needed to say to Daddy. Why it hadn’t crossed my mind to bury Cole before, I wasn’t sure. I’d probably been too shaken up after the party and Cole’s activities afterwards.
After I dressed in jean shorts and a soft, pastel pink top that clung to my curves, I applied a light application of makeup, then hurried down the stairs to the kitchen. A double pumpkin spice latte sounded perfect for fueling my revenge plan. I might kiss my inheritance goodbye, but so would Cole. I had no problem taking the bastard down with me. I smirked as my bare feet padded along the marble floors, and the necessary pieces fell into place. I would make sure Cole never fucked with me again. I made my way to the espresso maker, still mulling over my plan.
I grabbed the two percent milk from the fridge, checked the water level on the machine, then selected a big cup from the white cabinet. The best thing about this kitchen was the size. When Julia and Cole were settling in, Cole constantly had his head in the refrigerator, stuffing his face. If the space hadn’t been as large as it was, no one else would have been able to nudge their way in. Not that he cared.
Once my latte was ready, I squeezed the pumpkin pie spice bottle, covering my perfectly foamed milk in yummy goodness. I took a sip. “Perfection.” No matter what was going on in my life, good coffee always made it better.
I leaned against the black and white marble counter and released a heavy sigh, my ears picking up a familiar voice down the hall. Hurrying to Daddy’s office, my heart soared at the thought that he was home ... until I remembered the video.
His door was open, and I poked my head in and grinned. He nodded and motioned for me to sit down while finishing his phone call. I pushed the door closed, then settled into the brown chair, the leather cool on the back of my bare legs.
Nervously, I crossed my ankles, then uncrossed them again. I forced myself not to tap my manicured nails against the ceramic mug since Daddy was talking, and I didn’t want to distract him. Tension snaked through my shoulders, and I gave myself a pep talk. I was doing the right thing by telling Daddy, but this fucking sucked on so many levels. Every fiber in my being wanted to bolt out the door and never tell him. However, if it affected his company and reputation, I would never forgive myself. He’d worked so hard, and I was proud of him. I couldn’t be the one responsible for toppling his empire.
“Talk to you later.” Dad grinned at me, then disconnected the call. He placed his cell on his desk, then stood.
I set my mug down on the end table and ran to him. “Daddy!” I threw my arms around his neck as he hugged me in return.
His chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Hey, Princess. How’s my girl?” He released me and pressed a sweet kiss against my forehead.
“Good. Glad to be home for the summer.” I flashed him a winning grin, attempting to appear calm and collected, even though I was falling apart inside myself. How was I going to tell him about Ibrahim and Matt? He would be furious with me.
I spotted several streaks of grey in Daddy’s dark head of hair. I was most likely prejudiced, but he was handsome for an older guy. He could probably have any woman he wanted, but he fell for Julia for some reason. She was pretty, but not quite his equal, in my opinion.
Sitting down again, I glanced out of the window at the back patio and swimming pool. After I spilled my guts about screwing the staff, I wasn’t sure I would even be allowed to live here any longer. A ball of puke wedged itself into my throat, blocking my windpipe. A cold film of sweat covered every inch of my body as it fully dawned on me that I could lose Daddy.
“What’s the matter, Princess?” Dad shuffled a few papers on his desk, smoothed his light blue button-down shirt, then folded his hands in his lap and gave me his undivided attention.
I sucked in a deep breath as my knee bounced uncontrollably. Tears welled in my eyes. “I’m so sorry, Daddy.” My voice cracked, and my legs started to shake. “I messed up really bad, and then I saw something horrible.”
He leaned back in his chair, assessing me. “I’m listening.”
I sniffled and grabbed a tissue from the box on the table next to me. “I, umm … I need to tell you what I did, so you can be prepared in case it hurts you or Weblink.” Blowing out a shaky breath, I braced myself for the worst. I stared at my lap, then held my daddy’s gaze. “I had sex with Ibrahim and Matt, and somehow it was recorded, then the video was leaked last night. I think Cole did it. When I left the party, I got turned around and walked the wrong way across Harrison’s property. I stumbled on a group of men. I’m pretty sure they were a motorcycle gang. They had no idea I was there, but when they moved, I saw Cole beating a man until he actually died. If you don’t believe me, he has bandages on his knuckles ...”
A slash of anger flickered in Daddy’s grey-blue eyes, and he stared a hole straight into my soul. If he only understood how awful I felt, maybe he could forgive me.
“Please say something,” I whispered, muffling my cry.
He stood and turned his back to me, looking out the window and placing his hands on his hips.
“I raised you better, Shae.” His voice was low and full of disappointment, which was way worse than if he’d yelled at me.
I also realized he hadn’t called me Princess. It was time that I accepted I’d fallen from the throne.
“I know. I’m so, so sorry.” I wiped my nose, wishing this was all a bad dream. “You taught me to own my mistakes, and I didn’t think it was right if someone else showed you or told you about the video first.”
He turned slowly, grimacing. “I found out last night, but I’m glad you had the courage to tell me. I was wondering if you would talk to me or try to hide it. I’d planned on acting as though nothing had happened, testing to see if you would do the right thing.”
I gripped the armchairs, hoping like hell he hadn’t seen me with Ibrahim and Matt. “How?” I managed to squeak out.
Daddy shoved his hands in the pockets of his black slacks. “I arrived home late, and Cole was waiting for me. He explained about the recording and that you’d caught him in a compromising situation last night.”
What the fuck! Murder is not a compromising situation!My pulse quickened, and blood crashed through my ears.That twisted bastard! I had to stay calm. I would deal with Cole later. Right now, I had to figure out how to get back into Daddy’s good graces.
“I fired Ibrahim immediately. Matt is no longer welcome on my property, and I had a chat with Matt’s father first thing today. I also got in touch with my team to manage any press. The video was deleted and removed from social media early this morning, so there won’t be any more damage.”
My pulse was erratic, my palms pulsing with sweat.Dammit, Cole. I didn’t even have to say a word to Daddy. It only took a second to realize that I still did the right thing by coming forward. If Daddy already knew about the recording, and I never said anything, things would look much bleaker. They sucked, but I would do everything in my power to make it up to Daddy.
I bit my lip, forcing myself to remain quiet and receive the consequences. I felt awful for Ibrahim, too. After the video was leaked, I was powerless to protect him.
