Alexander steps up with me still in his arms, as if he’s scared to let me go. “Nothing will happen to her. Even if I have to kill the bastard myself.”
Good lord all the men in my life have gone crazy. I think I’ve heard enough for one day. I step out of Alexander’s arms and look at the three of them. All three of them look like they are ready to go to war. I wave my hands in the air to get their attention, as they are still talking about what they would like to do to him once he is caught. “Okay, no one is killing anyone. The police or Adrian’s team will catch John. But no killing got it?” My arms are folded across my chest as the three of them stare down at me with smiles on their faces.
I look at my dad and plead with him with my eyes until he gives in. “Okay baby girl, no killing anyone, I promise. We just want you safe.”
“I know you all do, but I don’t want anyone hurt because of me. Let’s just let the police do their jobs, okay?” Everyone is quiet as they process what I said. Even though John is creepy as hell, I don’t want to see him get hurt or worse, killed. My dad nods his head and Alexander smiles at me with love in his eyes.
I turn to Adrian and he has that little devil twinkle back in his eyes and I know he’s about to say something he shouldn’t. Alexander must see it as well. “Whatever stupid shit that’s about to come out of your mouth, don’t. Let’s give Selene and Peter some time alone to talk while we grab lunch.”
Adrian just laughs, knowing Alexander was right. “Man, you're no fun. But fine, you're buying this time.”
I walk over to Alex to give him a hug. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
He places a kiss on my forehead before pulling back and smiling at me. “Have a good talk with your dad and go easy on him. He's really worried about you.”
“I will.”
Before I can stop him, Adrian has me up in his arms, giving me a hug. I know he’s doing it just to irritate his brother by the impressive growl coming from him, but it makes me giggle, anyway. The big goofball is growing on me. “Try not to miss me too much, sis. And if you can refrain from getting into trouble.”
I roll my eyes and push him out the office door. As my dad and Alexander laugh. See what I mean? He really is that annoying brother I never had. “Really, Adrian, how much trouble can I get into?” Apparently a whole shit load is how much. Alexander was right. I really should have just stayed home today.
Chapter 7
Ipushmyplateaway, stuffed, not able to eat another bite. Mom knew what she was doing when she sent over her fried chicken with all the fixings, knowing it’s my favorite. “God, that was so good. I miss mom’s cooking.”
Dad wipes his mouth, putting the dishes back in the bag and gives me a smile. “You could always move back home.”
All I can do is laugh and shake my head. “Thanks, but I’m happy where I am.”
Dad just shrugs his shoulders. “I had to try. Now that you had your lunch. I want to know how you're really doing, Selene, and not the line you fed your mom with that you're doing okay?”
I knew this moment was coming and was dreading it from the moment dad said he was stopping by. Knowing he was going to want answers. Mom might have bought the fact I said I was okay, but my dad never has. Since he came into my life, he has seen right through me when something is really bothering me. “I’m scared, terrified, actually. Honestly, I just don’t get it. I mean, it’s not like I led him on or anything. I told him I wasn’t interested, but he didn’t seem to like that. And he just showed up everywhere I went. At first I thought I was just imagining things, but then it got worse. I know what you're going to say. I should have come to you, but I just thought he would stop. How wrong I was. I just don’t want you disappointed in me. I’m just scared that someone is going to get hurt, and it’s going to be my fault.” Wiping the lone tear that manages to escape, not able to look my dad in the eyes, scared of what I might see.
Dad grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I could never be disappointed in you, Selene. Never. I don’t know if you know this, but I could never have kids of my own and that hurt when I found out. So when I met your mom and fell in love, I also fell in love with her little girl who stole my heart when she looked up at me for the first time and smiled. You became the daughter I never thought I would ever have. I’m so damn proud of the woman you have become. We may not be related by blood, but you are still my daughter, no matter what. I promise you that no one is going to get hurt. I love you Selene.”
“Thanks dad. I love you too.” I whisper out. My emotions getting the better of me. He gets up, pulling me into a big bear hug.
“Have you been keeping up with the moves I taught you?” My dad knew he couldn’t always be with me, so he taught me how to get out of certain situations if I ever needed to keep myself safe.
“Yes, I have been. I was also taking some refresher courses at the gym as well.” I knew it gave him peace of mind. And being alone most of the time in my apartment it gave me a sense of security. I just hope I never have to use any of it.
He pulls back and retakes his seat. “Good. Now let’s talk about Alexander.”
I groan. “Do we have to?” I’ve never really had a boyfriend before or was interested enough to bring any guy around my parents to meet, but with Alexander, I want it all.
My dad barks out a laugh. “I just want to know if he’s treating you well and if you're happy.”
A smile overtakes my face, thinking back to all that Alexander has done for me. “He treats me the best. He’s been so wonderful to me.”
“That’s all I want is for you to be happy and have the kind of love your mom and I have. And judging by the look on your face and from what I’ve seen, I think you have found it with Alexander.”
“Don’t you think it’s moving fast, though?” I have this slight fear in me that everything is moving at warp speed and Alex is going to wake up one day and regret what we have and I will be all alone again.
“Nope. When you know, you know. Love doesn’t have a time frame, honey, it just hits you out of nowhere when you least expect it. I knew I loved your mom the first time I met her. Don’t let fear control your emotions. Embrace it, Selene.”
My dad always knows what to say to me to get me out of my negative thoughts. I take a deep breath and let it out. Knowing he is right about it all. “Thanks dad, I really needed to hear that.”
“Anytime Selene. You need me, I'm there. Just no more hiding stuff anymore. Come to your mom and me and we will help you with anything, okay?” Dad gives me his no nonsense look and I know he means it.
