Antony lounges across from us on the loveseat, legs spread wide, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. He looks like a king on his throne, fully convinced that he’s won, that he can manipulate my dad with every well-placed lie he spins to keep me under his control.
Fuck him.
I sit up straighter, smoothing my expression into something casual, almost innocent, before speaking. "Hey, Dad, I forgot to mention it earlier at dinner, but Melina’s in town this weekend, and she wants me to come hang out with her at the hotel. If that’sokay." I pause just for a beat before adding, "She’ll be heading to Europe next week, and she’ll be there for a couple of months, and it’ll be a while before we can see each other." The last part is a lie, but my dad doesn’t need to know that.
Dad raises an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across his face. "What’s she doing here? I didn’t think she had any family in town."
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Antony shift in his seat, leaning in closer, making sure he doesn’t miss anything I have to say, ready to pounce if need be.That’s right, asshole. Game on.
"She doesn’t," I reply smoothly. "I mentioned that the rink was closed for the weekend when we last talked, and since I wouldn’t be practicing, she decided to come surprise me."
Dad hesitates, and for a split second, I wonder if he’s about to ruin my plans to escape for the night. Then he nods. "Okay," he says, just before his tone turns firmer. "Just stay out of trouble." His eyes lock onto mine, making it crystal clear that he means exactly that.
Relief crashes over me so hard I can barely keep my glee contained. I practically launch myself into his lap, throwing my arms around his neck and squeezing him tight, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Daddy!" I say sweetly, grinning as I pull back. "I’m going to call her now and start packing my bag!" I kiss his cheek again for good measure before slipping off his lap and heading for the stairs.
But before I disappear completely, I pause at the bottom step—just out of Dad’s line of sight—and flip Antony off. Fucking asshole.
I don’t waste another second, moving quickly to my dresser, disconnecting my phone from the charger, and tossing it onto the bed. First, I message Melly.
Me: How fast can you get here to pick me up?
It’s like the universe is finally on my side because, by some miracle, Melly actuallyisin town—visiting the football player from the rival college. They met at a club, and from the way she’s been gushing over him, I think my best friend might have finally found a guy who could make her a one-man woman.
Next, I text Carter.
Me: Still want to see me tonight?
His response comes almost instantly, like he was already waiting for me to message him.
Carter: Hell yeah. Want me to come and get you?
Me: No, I got it covered. Can I stay the night?
Carter: Pixie, you don’t even need to ask me that.
Me: See you soon.
While I was texting Carter, Melly responded, so I click over to her thread.
Melly: Be there in 15. Or less.
Me: Perfect.
I rush to my closet, grab my overnight bag, and start throwing in clothes, toiletries, my charger—everything I need. Zipping itshut, I sling it over my shoulder and race down the stairs just as the doorbell rings.
Damn, she’s fast.
"I got it!" I call out before anyone else can move, my heart pounding with excitement. I yank the door open to find Melly standing there. She doesn’t waste any time pulling me into a tight hug. I bury my face in her shoulder, inhaling her familiar perfume, and whisper, "Thank you for this."
She squeezes me even tighter, whispering back. "You’re welcome.”
When we pull apart, she takes my bag from me, stepping inside just long enough to greet my dad. "Hello, Mr. Lein, it’s good to see you again," she says, flashing him a warm smile before turning to Antony. Her expression shifts instantly—her voice turning cold. "Antony."
Dad, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air, grins at her. "It’s good to see you too, Melina."
She moves over to the couch, leans down, and kisses his cheek. "I trust you’ll both be on your best behavior tonight?" he says, his tone laced with amusement.
"Absolutely, sir," she replies smoothly. "We’re just going to grab some snacks on the way back, binge some movies, and catch up on life. You know, girly stuff."
