Apparently, he didn’t know what Dad looked like.
Embarrassingly, I whimpered, but I quickly bit my lip to stop the sound.
Ember whistled low and started chuckling softly. “Oh. This is too good.”Evil bitch.
“Elizabeth!” my mother stated. Lord help me. My mom was with him. They were getting real close. “I know you can hear us, young lady!”
Another whine left me, and I didn’t look anywhere even close to Daniil as I slowly turned around. I licked my lips nervously and peered up from the floor. My parents stopped right in front of me.Andmy aunt Susan and my cousin Katie.
It was a real family affair.
I croaked, “Mom. Dad. What are you doing here?”
Zane started choking off to my right, and I even heard Grigori clear his throat a few times. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Daniil freeze. Perfect.
Dad’s gaze darted all over the group I was standing with, and he muttered under his breath, “No wonder.” His regard landed directly behind me where Grigori stood. There was instant disapproval in his eyes…and his perusal continued as he grabbed my bicep, yanking me next to him, damn protectively. His inspection stopped on the bodyguards, and he sucked in a breath…and when they landed on Daniil…it was like instant hate hardened his stare. Slowly, he finished his scan, and I kept silent. Nothing said was better than babbling right now. He didn’t seem to like Zane or Roman much, either. And then they landed on Ember.
She stiffened under his attention.
Dad asked, “Are you Ember Lerrus? The one my daughter,” he shook me by the arm, “was fighting with?”
My mouth bobbed. “It wasn’t Ember. It was Chrissy.”
“She was in the photo with you.”
Her eyes were huge and she nudged my arm but continued to stare at my dad. “Have you given him the check?” When I shook my head, she nudged me again, saying quickly, “Give him the damn check.”
My father wasn’t a big man in stature. He was only about five foot, nine inches and lean. But when he looks at you…you know he means business. It was one of the reasons why he was such a great preacher. People instantly knew he believed in what he was speaking about. I didn’t blame Ember for being nervous around him.
I handed her my muffin and drink, then lifted my purse, digging through it and pulling out her money order. “Dad, Ember donated this.” I held the check out, and he took it with his free hand.
He stopped, staring down at the numbers on it.
Ember’s shoulders relaxed. She even started eating my muffin.
He cleared his throat and pocketed the check, stating calmly, “Thank you for your generosity, Ms. Lerrus. God, the church, and I thank you.” Then, he clamped a hand down on her shoulder, startling her enough that she spilled my juice. “Now, my wife and I would like to have a word with you two.”
“Huh?” Ember mumbled around a mouthful of muffin, her gaze frantic.
“An intervention, of sorts.” He started hauling us away from the group.
“Dad!” I hissed, tugging on my arm. “Don’t bring her into this.” Christ, my editor was going to kill me if word of this got out.
“Elizabeth! Not. One. Word,” Dad growled low.
I still opened my mouth.
Mom interrupted, “Elizabeth, so help me!”
Oh. I shut my mouth. That wasn’t a tone that boded well if I argued.
Zane started choking hard.
The rest of the group watched us being pulled away, with gaping mouths.
“Sir, this really isn’t necessary,” Ember pled with Dad loudly, trying to get his attention as he hauled us toward the side of the room. “Elizabeth and I weren’t fighting then. We’re friends now.” She glanced at me frantically for help.
I kept my mouth shut. I knew better. When Dad and Mom got it into their heads—which they obviously had, traveling all the way down here—to do something, they did it. With passion. There was no stopping them.
