“You’re so predictable.”
“Excuse me?”
“She said you’d say this. That you’d come in here, trying to get information out of me by saying some bullshit about her no longer being involved. I’m not stupid, Jaxon, I know who your mother is, how deep she is into that situation. I was married to the woman, remember?”
I shake my head. “And you’re going to believe her over me?”
“I have no reason to believeyou.” He leans closer, lowering his voice. “I’ve accepted the fact my life belongs to her and that organization. I made the mistake of getting involved with her and all the shit she’s twisted up in. Had I known beforehand, I never would have. Dealing with her, and now you?” He scoffs. “I should have married Cindy Martins.”
“You are a fucking fool,” I comment.
“Get out of my office.”
“No.”
“Excuse me?”
“I am not leaving, because we are not finished talking.” I lean forward, grasping the ends of the arm chair. “I don’t like needing you for anything, but I need you right now becausemylife is on the line this time. She is no longer involved in the syndicate, and that’s the fucking truth. She pulled some shit a few months ago, kidnapped my girlfriend, used my ex for it, which got her killed. She pissed off the wrong people after that, doing who the fuck knows what because they won’t even tell me, and took off, telling everyone she was worried I was going to be after her… but something else happened too. Something that put everyoneagainst her. Why would she be scared of me? She has all this protection, right?”
“No—”
“Yes,” I say firmly. “Vincent is running it now, but none of that matters. What does matter is the fact I am still tied up in this bullshit and they’re coming after me because they think I’m protecting her.”
My father stares at me, considering my words. “Why are you here?”
“To find out what the hell she told you so I can figure out where she is. If I don’t deliver her to them, they’re going to come after me. It’s that fucking simple.” I laugh. “I knew she’d come to you; I knew she’d try to convince you. I knew you wouldn’t believe me, but all I can do is tell you the truth. You’re the one who needs to decide, who needs to pick a fucking side. So, who are you going to choose? That cunt, or your own flesh and blood?”
I’m on my feet now, palms flat on the desk, growling these words out at him.
I didn’t think I’d get so pissed over this, but you know what? I am. I have two shitty fucking parents who have done nothing for me, and maybe I have some deep-seated mommy and daddy issues, but seriously, who the fuck doesn’t?
“You haven’t done a damn thing my entire life that’s matteredto me.That could change right now.” I tap the desk. “Right this minute.”
He grits his teeth, his eyes imploring mine. “I’m sorry.”
I hold his gaze, not allowing my fury to take over.
“If you tell me where she is, it’ll end. I’ll get you out. You’ll be done.”
Hope flashes in his eyes, but it’s gone just as quickly.
“You don’t have that kind of power,” he says, sounding disappointed.
I stand straight, looking down my nose at him.
“You’re going to regret this decision.”
Then I turn on my heel and leave his office.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sailor
I don’t know what the point was in having Amelia here for one night. The relief was minimal and temporary, but I appreciate her as a friend. I appreciate that she was willing to stay at my house and help me when I was stressed. But the fear didn’t go away, and it’s even worse now that I’m alone again. The sun has gone down, every light is on in my house, I’ve checked the windows and doors three times. I’m going crazy in here.
This is why I went to Sam’s in the first place. This is why I ran.
For the first time in a long time, I consider selling this house.
