And, to top it all off, I still haven’t heard from Aiden.
Is it wrong that I really wish I was going home to be wrapped up in his arms? It’s been a shitty few days and I know it would help a lot of it melt away.
But he won’t be waiting for me when I get home. It was silly of me to think we could have something more together.
CHAPTER 10
AIDEN
I’m fuming, fucking seething, my vision a haze of red, as I stalk toward the mayor’s office in City Hall. No one has stepped into my path or tried to slow me down. I don’t know whether it’s because they figure I’m allowed to go and see my dad at any time, or they caught a glimpse of my face.
I know I look as pissed off as I feel.
This has gone on too long and too much bullshit has happened. Dad is supposed to be a public servant, the entire public. I let how he was using his office against GMH go at first, but I can’t sit on the sidelines any longer and let it continue.
Not when I’m in love with Greylin Cross.
She deserves a man who will stand up to those trying to tear her down. She deserves a man who isn’t afraid of his family’s reactions because he stands by his convictions.
And this is wrong.
Dad’s whole vendetta is wrong.
Do I think he’s going to turn over a new leaf and become their best customer? Hell no, but there really is zero reason for him to keep holding onto the hurts from decades ago.
Yes. Decades.
Holding a grudge is one thing, but this has gone past that.
What Dad is doing could really negatively impact their business. All because mom wanted to be a hippie instead of being married to him? Honestly, I’m starting to understand her outlook, and I have to wonder if I’m just like he always said—more like her than him.
When I slam into the outer office, York immediately jumps up from his chair. The moment he realizes it’s me, he relaxes and shoots me a glare.
His look might matter if I respected the man like I used to. He’s made it impossible with his actions lately. It’s not just dad who I need to cut out of my life.
If you cut them out, then nothing can stop us from being with Greylin.
The thought has me flipping off my brother as I storm past him, not bothering to slow down. I’m on a fucking mission and the man I need to see is my dad. He’s the one who has been driving this vendetta.
“Aiden,” York’s voice has an edge of worry to it I’m not used to hearing, “what’s going on? Is everything okay?”
I turn around so fast that York almost slams into me. My lip curls as I snarl, “I’m not here to see you, York. I’m here to see Mayor Simmons.”
He rears back, clearly surprised at the way I’m coming at him. I’ve spent a lot of my life being the peacemaker. Being the one who didn’twant to rock the boat too much. Fuck, it already felt like my boat was lost in a damn tropical storm most days. Why would I rock that further?
I don’t spare my brother another look. When he reaches for me, trying to stop me, I don’t pay him any attention.
I’d just like him to actually try and stop me.
“You can’t just barge in there because he’s your dad,” York calls out.
But it’s too late.
Dad jumps slightly when the door to his office slams open and hits the wall with a thud. He blinks a few times as if he’s trying to process what is going on.
Good. I caught him unaware.
At least it’ll take him a moment to get it together and his slick mask will slip. I’m so tired of seeing it. I don’t even know who my father is. Not really.
