Page 8 of Make You Mine

“It is. Especially, since I’m kind of broke.” He takes a sip of his drink before setting it down.

I remain quiet. If he expects me to show any sympathy for him, he must think the years have made me softer.

But they haven’t. I still remember every single thing he did to me, deep within my bones.

“Anyway, I thought it’d be great if…I moved in with you until I’m back on my feet? You know, since we’re working together now. It’d be convenient. Your mother told me you’ve got a pretty big apartment all for yourself.”

That is true.

My mother’s been married to Lucas A’gosto for enough years that he’s been generous with his money. He might be nowhere near being a father to me. Our relationship is nonexistent. But it is the reason that with a little encouragement from Mom, I ended up changing my last name from De Luna to A’gosto, too.

That, and wanting to start over after the sex tape fiasco.

“You talked to my mother?”

“Oh, yes.”

Didn’t she tell him about his father’s situation?

“And she thought the idea was great. She loves the idea of you being independent, but you’re still her little girl. She thought having a man in the house would make you feel safer, and it’d give her peace of mind.”

Oh, God. Kayden’s got my mother convinced.

Now I’m going to feel like shit if I disappoint her.

He did it on purpose, didn’t he?

Of course, I never told her anything that happened between Kayden and me behind closed doors.

“Kayden…” I don’t want to do this, but someone has to tell him. Someone has to stop this from happening. “You do know your father’s sick, don’t you?”

He frowns. “What?”

“He’s been diagnosed with dementia. He’s…not himself. You could very well move into our parents’ house. He’s not going to kick you out.”

His jaw hardens. “That doesn’t change anything.”

“Really? I’m sure my mom would be happy for you to move in with me, but she’d be happy for you to move in with them and help just the same.”

He scoffs. “Fuck no. I’m not going to be my father’s babysitter. If you thought you could gain my sympathy by telling me about this, well, you didn’t, Madelyn. It’s decided. I’m moving in with you.”

“God, you’re heartless.”

“You don’t know my father.”

I don’t push further, trying to focus on the more important things, like having Kayden move in with me against my will.

“So, that’s it? You guys decided for me?”

Kayden nods. “Pretty much. In fact, someone’s moving my things into your apartment as we speak.”

“WHAT?”

“I told you, your mom was very enthusiastic about the idea of us living together,” he says. A dangerous smile spreading across his lips. “She wants the best for you. We all do.”

I am so fucked.

“Hold on a minute.”