I don’t answer for a long minute, and then Bishop swears under his breath.
“Christ, James.”
“She’s staying with me.”
“No, she’s not.” I turn to see the president standing at the threshold, looking exhausted. “Leave us, Bishop.”
In interviews, this woman projects such a warm persona. Like she’s the best, most loving and devoted mother in the world.
Privately, she’s socold.
“I’m taking my daughter home tonight.”
I frown, but it’s been ingrained in me not to argue with the commander in chief.
“You won’t follow her,” she continues. “You’ll let her get on with her life, and you’ll stay here, living your own.”
I narrow my eyes, still not speaking.
“You are not who I want for my daughter, Mr. James. You have no place in her life. I entrusted you with her safe keeping, and you couldn’t even provide that without failing. I need to know that my daughter is safe, no matter what.”
“Lena is a grown adult,” I reply, speaking for the first time. “She can choose what she wants.”
She lets out a small, shaky laugh.
“The life of a president’s child is not their own. She has responsibilities. And if you try to step in, if you so much as think about trying to be with her because you’rein love... I can make things very difficult for you, Gideon. For your family. It would be a shame if Aiden lost his new job.”
I blink at her, nausea filling me.
“I could ruin that entire ranch of yours. It would be a pity, since it’s so beautiful.”
I’m shaking my head, but she keeps talking.
“None of that fills me with joy. It’s disgusting. But I want what’s best for my daughter, and that’s just not you, Gideon. It’s nothing personal, it’s just the facts. Now, we’re leaving immediately.”
“Surely she shouldn’t be moved—”
“Goodbye, Mr. James.” Her eyebrow lifts. “You are dismissed.”
“Let me—”
“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” Bishop says as he joins us. “You have to go, Gid.”
“Can’t I just say goodbye?” My voice is so rough, so strained, and for the first time since I’ve known her, I see the president soften, just a little.
“You can have five minutes,” she says.
I swallow hard and step back into the room just as Lena’s dad approaches me to leave. His eyes are wet as he pats me on the shoulder, and then, without a word, he walks away, shutting the door behind him.
She looks so fucking small.
I approach the bed, take her hand in mine again, and lean down to kiss every knuckle before I push up and kiss her cheek, soaking in her softness. Hergoodness.
“You’re the sweetest fucking thing,” I whisper shakily, and decidefuck itand climb onto the bed with her once again and pull her against me.
This is the last time I’ll hold her in my arms.
Because her mother’s right.I’m not good enough for her. I can’t keep her out of harm’s way. I’ve failed her twice.
