“Are you planning on disinheriting me?”
“I haven’t yet.”
We share a smile and then I cringe at the thought of Dad watching the news about me. I don’t even know what they’re saying really. I don’t want to know. Surely they can’t actually show the videos.
“How bad is the news?” I ask, dropping my gaze to our joined hands.
“Apparently Constantine is a predator or you’re a gold-digger. The media can’t decide. They’ve alluded to videos but haven’t shown any because, and I quote, ‘It’s unsuitable for all viewers.’” He sighs. “I would have knocked Constantine on his ass, but he wasn’t in his office. If I see him, though, I’m going to hurt him.”
“Don’t,” I say, squeezing his hand. “We did it together. I care about him, Dad. A lot. Everything’s a mess right now, but I’m going to make it right.”
“A mess she says.” Dad groans. “You’re on every website and news station. This is more than a mess. It’s a nightmare.”
“I’m sorry.”
He nods and his brows furl. “Sully and Sparrow are getting discharged tomorrow.”
I flinch at his statement. “And Scout?”
“Manda is trying to keep him out of jail the moment he’s released.”
“He belongs there,” I grumble, peeking up at him. “That night, if Win hadn’t called the police, Scout would have…raped me.” I swallow hard, fighting the tears pooling in my eyes. “Sully and Sparrow wouldn’t have stopped it either. I know this thing with Win is awful, but he’s protected me thus far. I let Leo get inside my head when I should have let Win handle that too.”
Dad’s eyes are pinched closed. “I’m a failure.” His voice cracks. “I brought you into their home. Presented you like a goddamn gift.”
“You didn’t know,” I argue, swallowing down my emotion. “You didn’t. But now that you do, please don’t ever make me see any of them again.”
“Never, but I don’t know what to do about Manda,” he murmurs. “I love her, though this…”
Is too much.
Her children are monsters who’ve hurt his own child.
Choose me, Dad. Please choose me.
“I should get going,” he says after a long pause. “Manda needs me.”
I need you.
My heart cracks down the middle. “Sure, Dad. Of course.”
“I can’t protect you like I thought I could.” His features are pinched with pain. “I’m sorry.”
Why does this feel like he’s giving up?
“She’s never been good to me,” I whisper. “I know you love her—”
He cuts me off with a sharp shake of his head. “I can’t let your problems become mine. You’re an adult now, honey. Act like one.”
I’m stung by his words. Manda has poisoned my father. He’ll never be the dad who raised me. I think I’m finally beginning to realize that. The dad I knew and loved died when he went out on that first date with Manda Mannford and started draining my college fund to impress her. My dad is gone.
His lips press together as he studies me for a long beat. Then, he stands, bends over the table and plants a kiss on the top of my head.
“Let Constantine shield you from this since you wouldn’t be here in the first place if it weren’t for him. He’s the only one with the financial means. I wish it were different, but when your mother married me, we said goodbye to money and chose love instead. I thought it’d be enough, but once again, this damn city waves it in my face reminding me that money rules all.” He waves a hand around him. “Luckily, fate is throwing you a bone and giving you a chance that your own father can’t give you.”
“I don’t care about the stupid money,” I growl, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Don’t be a fool. Money talks. Listen to what it says.” He tips his head. “I love you, but I think it’s best you focus on making this scandal go away and setting your life straight. Manda needs my help right now more than you do. Goodbye, Ash.”
I love you, but…
Love isn’t supposed to come with buts.
It’s supposed to be I love you, period. Full stop. The end.
Minutes after Dad is gone, I’m still sitting there, my heart heavy and dread settling deep in my bones. The loneliness of it is almost too much to bear. I almost don’t notice Nate lurking like the creep he is. His hard expression tells me all I need to know. He’s back to thinking I’m a money-hungry whore and clearly eavesdropped on my conversation. Quickly, I swallow down the overwhelming sadness threatening to do me in and harden myself.
He may think I’m a gold-digger, but I think he’s a sleazy, lying creepy friend who’s a little too interested in Winston’s life. He wants to treat me as though I’m not good enough? Two of us can play this game.
“When’s your birthday, Nate?” I call out. “I thought I’d send you a towel warmer for your bathroom. I went ahead and ordered Win one too. You know, since you rave about them all the time.” And he doesn’t have one like you claim, you nosy motherfucker.