Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
At my reception, Hades had come over and congratulated Liam and me. Then he explained Damien had fallen ill and couldn’t attend the wedding, which was bullshit because men like Damien didn’t get sick. But I was glad he wasn’t there. There were already so many emotions I had to deal with that day. Seeing Damien across the room would have only made it worse.
He chewed a bite and lifted his gaze to stare at me, his dark eyes swirling with several thoughts. When he swallowed his food, he spoke. “How are things with Liam?” He addressed the elephant in the room, the marriage he was venomously opposed to.
I was surprised he’d gone there. “Good.”
He took another bite, chewing slowly as he examined the painting on the wall, looking for something to stare at so he wouldn’t have to look at me. “I’m sorry I couldn’t attend. I was—”
“It’s fine.” I knew it was an excuse because he didn’t want to be there. “I didn’t want you there either.”
He seemed slightly surprised by my honesty, his eyes flashing in interest. “You’ll continue to work at the Tuscan Rose?”
“Would you rather I quit?”
He shook his head. “I want you to do whatever makes you happy. I just assumed Liam would prefer if you stayed home.”
“He would, but I don’t care what he wants.” I stayed home last time because that was what he wanted, and after he broke my heart, I regretted doing what he asked. This time, I was going to stay busy because it gave me a sense of purpose, gave me some independence.
He pushed his food around with his fork. “Good answer.”
“You don’t care if you have to see me once in a while?”
He set down his fork and stared at me for a long time, as if the question floored him. “I always enjoy seeing you, Annabella.” His eyes lingered for minutes, as if he couldn’t look away…because he never wanted to look away.
2
Damien
“No!” My father stormed away from the couch and marched into the kitchen.
“Father—”
“I’d rather die!” He opened the fridge and grabbed a beer.
I turned to Catalina.
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t you think you’re overreacting right now?”
“You’re overreacting.” He stepped back into our view. “I don’t need your charity. I don’t need a babysitter. I’m a grown-ass man.” He went to twist off the cap and struggled to get it loose. When it didn’t come off, he used his sleeve, but that just created less friction. “I’m perfectly fine living here on my own.”
I left the couch and walked to him. I took the beer out of his hand, and with a simple twist, the cap came off. I handed it to him, giving him a pointed look to make sure he understood how wrong he was.
My father barely nodded in gratitude and headed back to the couch.
Catalina shifted to the spot beside him. “Dad, I know this is hard—”
“It’s not hard.” He pushed her hand away. “I’ve told you many times I don’t need your help. I’ve got plenty of years left, and I’m fine living on my own.”
“But you would be much more comfortable with Damien,” she said. “He’s got a big place, and Patricia can do so much for you—”
“I don’t need a maid.” He took a drink.
His apartment was full of dirty dishes, clothes that needed to be washed, and fast-food wrappers that never made it into the garbage can. He lived like a slob, and anytime he needed to find something, he couldn’t recall where he put it. “Father, I want you to live with me.” I sat in the armchair beside them, doing my best to convince him to leave all this behind. He couldn’t be unprotected when I went after Heath. He needed to be in my fortress, where he would be untouched. “I’m gonna need someone I trust to watch my kids while I’m at work.” I’d never have a family of my own. Never have a wife. But this was the best way to lure him away from this pigsty.
He turned to me, his interest piqued. “Grandkids?”
I nodded. “I don’t want to hire a nanny. How could I trust someone more than you?”
“Are you seeing someone?” he blurted.
“Not exactly.” Just random women I picked up at bars and clubs. “But I’m looking. I’m getting old. I’ve got to start that family soon.”
That was what my father wanted more than anything. “Well, I’ll move in then—”
“You’re moving in now.” I was losing my patience with this old man. Nothing I said could get him to see reason. He didn’t understand his life was in jeopardy the longer he stayed here alone. I needed him under my roof for my own peace of mind. “We can argue about this in circles forever, but the outcome will not change. You’re packing up your shit and coming with me. Catalina and I have decided this is best, so that’s what’s happening.”