Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
“It’s so good to see you,” he said warmly once he sat down across from me. He rested his handcuffed hands on the table in front of him, which made my heart ache a little. His eyes then grew large. “What happened?”
I lifted my fingertips to the bruises and cuts on my face, forgetting all about the accident and the fight. I didn’t want to freak him out about what happened, but I figured he deserved to know.
“Deviau came after me. He wants your fortune, which I’m in control of,” I told him.
My father visibly shrunk down as he shook his head.
“I’m so sorry, Emery. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen,” he promised me.
I wished that I could reach out and take his hand, but the prison guards were watching all of the inmates closely.
“I know he blackmailed you and threatened me,” I replied, watching his eyes lift to mine. “I don’t blame you, Dad.”
My father’s eyes gleamed with relieved tears as he nodded. He sniffled a little and blinked his tears away.
“I couldn’t lose you. I did everything in my power to protect you from harm, even if it was too much,” he sighed.
My face softened as I nodded.
“I know you just wanted to keep me safe, but it’s time for me to spread my wings. I want to build my own life my own way,” I told him. “It’s time.”
My father’s relieved expression wavered.
“It’s so dangerous out there, Em. You’ve seen it,” he sighed.
Despite everything, he still dug his nails in, trying to keep me from flying away. It was nature for him at that point, but he had to let go or I would rip myself away.
“Dad, I’ve proved to myself that I can overcome obstacles that should’ve killed me,” I told him with a firm look on my face. “I’m smarter and more careful than you think I am.”
“I don’t doubt you. It’s just the world is a terrible place,” he explained, giving me a worried look.
“I know it is, and I feel more prepared for it than ever,” I promised him as I gave him a light smile. “You can worry, but don’t try to stop me.”
My father let out a slow breath, looking unsure at first. However, his expression relaxed, and he nodded.
“I won’t. I’m sure whatever you do, you’ll do amazing. But you’re right. I’ll certainly worry.”
I laughed softly, figuring that would be the case. It was in his nature to worry about me, which I didn’t mind. He just needed to let go of the reins and let me roam free. There were so many things that I wanted to accomplish and experience, but I would always keep him in my life.
“I was thinking about starting an organization for domestic violence victims. In honor of Sara Phillip’s mom and everyone else who has experienced that,” I told him. I didn’t care about making money or being some big name. I just wanted to help people.
My father’s eyebrows lifted in interest.
“Oh, that’s wonderful, honey. I remember Sara and her mother,” he said with a fond look on his face. “I think you should go for it.”
I smiled and nodded. I didn’t need his support, but I appreciated it. I had been shown how far someone, or four people’s, support could go, and it pushed me pretty damn far.
“I love you,” I told him. “I’m going to do everything I can to prove that you were blackmailed. They’ll reduce your sentence if I can.”
My father gave me a grateful look, but he shook his head.
“I want you to focus on your organization. Don’t waste your time on me. I’m the one who committed the crime,” he said.
I admired his selflessness, but I wasn’t having any part of it. The guys showed me what true loyalty and unity looked like. They didn’t leave anyone behind, so I wasn’t going to ditch my father when he needed me the most.
“I can do both,” I assured him. “I want you out of prison so that you can see all the great things I’ll do.”
A warm expression filled my father’s face as he nodded.
“I love you,” he told me. “I’m so proud of you.”
His words filled me with warmth. I wanted to be someone to be proud of, including to myself. The things I wanted to achieve and dreamed of weren’t easy by any means, but I had done things in the past month that I never would’ve expected myself to be able to do. Hopefully, I kept surprising myself.
“I’m here for you,” I said. “I’m not leaving you alone to fight this by yourself.”
My father drew in a deep breath.
“It’ll be long and grueling, but I just want to serve my time and get out,” he replied. “I want to see the person you’ll become.”