“I’m sorry. I really am.”
He was quiet for a long second before he asked, “The tests should be done by now. Do I need to send a train to pick you up and bring you home? Or did those cocksuckers get their claws into you?”
A genuine smile lifted my lips. I tossed a couple more nuts into my mouth with glee. I whispered in excitement, “I passed, Father. I did really well.”
“Of course, you did. You’re my kid.”
I grinned full-blown. “You’re proud of me. I can hear it in your voice.”
“Those tests are rough. That signature you forged of mine was allowing your death sentence. I obtained a copy of it, and there’s a goddamn death clause in it stating they aren’t responsible if you die during their tests.”
“Well, I didn’t die.” I cleared my throat.
I would never die now.
My head spun again with the realization.
“But you could have.”
“I’m fine,” I lied. I shook my head past the dizziness, and put my new life existence on the backburner. “So about Brandon…”
My father snorted. “I’ll handle him.”
“Are you sure?”
“You’re staying in that damn Corporate Army, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then the marriage contract is void.”
I took another drink of water. “Father, I think he kind of liked me. He kissed my hand for a long time.”
“Wait, did you like him too? Am I misreading this?”
“No. I didn’t like him. What I’m trying to say is that I don’t want him coming after me.”
There was a smile in his voice. “Don’t worry, darling dearest. Your father will handle the big scary man for you.”
I chuckled. “Don’t kill him.”
“I won’t,” he hummed. “As long as he doesn’t mess with you. I don’t think he will. As I said before, he’s a good man. And he’s one I trust. But I’ve seen good men turn bad too. I’ll keep an eye on him.”
I sighed. “Father, I really am sorry.”
He rumbled, “For which thing? That you joined Mr. King’s army or for turning your back on the Liberated Army or for running away and making me worry you might die?”
I nibbled on my bottom lip. “It’s not as bad as all that.”
“It’s exactly like that.” His sigh was loud. “But, popular to contrary opinion—I’m talking about your opinion—I do understand why you did it.”
“Seriously?”
He chuckled. “Back in the day, I was once young. I know what it’s like to be forced into marriage. Though, I was lucky. Your mother and I came to love each other very much.”
I grinned. “I can see why. You’re quite the catch.”
“Maybe a long time ago I was.”
