“Friedrick fired you?” he asks. “I have one tiny heart attack, and the world explodes.”
“That’s not funny,” I groan. While I’m no longer crying, it’s only because I can see, hear, and touch my dad. “No one could get in touch with me because my phone was dead and I, ah, went into heat.”
The last words are barely audible, but Dad snorts out a laugh.
“I should have realized that’s why you weren’t answering your phone,” he says.
“I’m sorry we didn’t text before it all happened,” Miles adds.
“We didn’t quite realize what was going on until we had a situation on our hands,” Santo says, wincing. “Miles answered Caelia’s phone since she was sleeping, and the owner of the Dragons lost his shit.”
“He’s not usually so hot headed,” Dad grumbles. “I’m sorry, Cae. I feel responsible for this since I pushed the idea into his head to hire you.”
“It’s absolutely not your fault,” I sigh. “I just want to make sure you’re okay. I’ll figure out the job situation later.”
“You don’t technically need a job,” Levon begins before I glare at him. “Caelia, come on. You have to know that the three of us could easily take care of you.”
“Ha, she barely lets me take care of her,” Dad says. “Good luck with that.”
“He’s not wrong,” I admit. “I have an issue staying still.”
“Maybe I can talk to him?” Dad asks, wincing.
“Friedrick called her a whore and I had to force him to agree to giving her some type of severance package,” Miles reports as my lips part in shock. I hadn’t heard Friedrick’s side of the conversation.
“What the fuck?” I ask, shocked.
“Fucker,” Dad growls. “Maybe I should quit.”
“Daddy!” I gasp. “You love the Dragons.”
“I love you more,” he mutters.
“I see where the stubbornness comes from,” Santo admits as Miles chuckles.
“I never doubted it,” Miles says.
They all get comfortable around the bed and Santo checks his phone with a smirk.
“Remember when I threatened Clarice with my lawyer?” he asks.
“Your dad, right?” I confirm.
“Yeah,” Santo says. “This is the kind of shit he lives for, he just needs you to agree that he can act on your behalf.”
Biting my lip, I half glance at my father.
“You don’t need my permission,” he says, grinning. “Friedrick also doesn’t deserve your mercy.”
“Burn,” Levon fake sneezes.
“Yes, he can do whatever he needs to on my behalf,” I agree, nodding at Santo.
“I’ll step out and call him,” he says. “I’m going to enjoy this.”
“Santo has a punishment kink,” Levon says under his breath.
Santo pops Levon over the head with a grin as he walks out while Dad shakes his head.
