I can see the wheels turning in his head. He’s confused and concerned, and I do appreciate that he cares.
“I don’t really want to talk about this aspect of my life with my dad,” I mumble.
He gets the picture and turns red in the face while shifting uncomfortably next to me.
“Do you love this man?” He’s not looking at me as he asks this.
I swallow. “I think I do.”
“Do you know what he’s done? What he and his brother did to me?”
I shake my head.
“They’re dangerous men, sweetheart.”
“I know that.”
His brows knit together. “And you choose to be with him?”
I shrug, not quite understanding it myself.
“And he’s never hurt you?”
I shake my head again, my throat growing dry under his scrutiny. I stand for the glass of water I never drank and down it in one gulp. For a moment my dad just watches me. I get his concern, I’m his little girl, and no matter how ugly I’ve been to him over the years, a father’s love never dies.
“I don’t know why he did what he did to you, Dad. And I’m going to ask, but I want to hear it from him. You probably think I’m stupid, and you know, so do I. But I—”
“Can’t turn off your heart.” He nods with his lips pressed into a straight line. “I don’t like it, Arloe. I just don’t see how anything good can come from this.”
“I know.”
“I’m not leaving town.”
“I know that, too.”
Again, we’re quiet for several minutes.
“If he hurts you—”
“I’ll leave.”
“I mean it, sweetheart. I don’t care about the money, or what they’ve threatened, I just want you safe.”
I nod. “Let me talk to him.”
“It’s not going to change anything.” Barron stands and straightens out his clothes. He meets me in the middle of the room and wraps me up in his arms. “Thank you for hearing me out, and I will pay whatever they want to keep you safe.” He kisses my forehead like he did when I was a child.
I escort him to the door, enjoying one final embrace, then wait until he’s on the elevator. After I close the door and turn around, I find Easton standing at the end of the hall. As always, he is cool and collected, but for the first time, I can see the emotion in his eyes.
“Did you use me to get to my father?”
He shakes his head and saunters over to me. He’s close now, his tall stature hovering over me. “Let’s sit,” he directs.
I head for the couch with him right behind me. I sit, and so does he.
“I never used you, and I never lied. You were never a part of the plan, but you happened.”
“What does that mean?”
