Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 141281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Bile rushes up my throat.
I can’t believe what I’m hearing.
Cannot.
So now he thinks the love of my life—a decorated war hero and a man who’s been through hell with his own mother—is just a flipping street criminal?
“Awesome. Way to give her exactly what she wants,” I say bitterly. “She’s playing you, Dad. Just like she’s been doing since the day you guys met. Why can’t you see it? You’re a smart man. Don’t you remember when Evie got in my face and you stood up for me? Chris makes her crazy because he’s a grown man who won’t put up with her tricks. Not the little boy she used to push around, and that’s what makes her so...yeah.”
For a second, Dad glares at me, his eyes flicking with confusion before he breaks.
“Goddammit, Cordelia, no. Why don’t you see he’s messing with your head!” Dad bellows.
His fist bangs his desk.
I jump.
“You’re the only person here being 'played,' dearest heart, and it kills me to see it,” he whispers, his shoulders slouching as he falls back against the wall. “He tried to kidnap you. He knocked down my gate. Frankly, this is my fault for not pressing charges immediately...”
Dad purses his lips. His eyes are swirling and dark, and he folds his hands, cracking his knuckles like that blow to the desk hurt him.
“Dad...do you hear yourself?” I whisper miserably, a sob ripping up my throat.
“Evie was right. I was wrong. My only regret is not listening, for giving her sneaky, piss-poor excuse for a son a chance. I trusted him, you know. I thought his experience overseas meant he’d be a positive influence in your life. I’m the fool who sent him on that damn trip with you and...” He stops, inhaling sharply. “Forget it. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I let him into our home, our lives, and he stabbed us in the back. I let my guard down, and yours, Cordelia, and I wonder how I’ll ever forgive myself.”
“No,” I whisper, but my throat is so tight it’s barely audible.
I’m reeling, stunned that I’m living this slow-motion nightmare.
I can’t believe he’s made up his mind on total lies.
“It’s not like that,” I say. “Please. Wait for him to come home so you can talk. Let him explain.”
“Explain? Give me a break.” He rolls his eyes and drops down into his chair. “I’ve heard it all. I know what these men are like, especially when they’ve suffered so much violence. Sometimes it damages them. He’ll tell a woman anything she wants to hear. That’s not love. And even if I thought he was Prince Charming, he’s still your stepbrother. What will people say? Do you really think I’d ever just throw up my hands and give you my blessing?”
“If you knew the truth, you would. I’m not a little girl anymore,” I shoot back, digging my nails into my thighs so hard it hurts. “It’s my life, Dad. If you want to cut off my trust, go right ahead. I don’t care anymore. Soon I’ll be done with school and out on my own.”
“You think it’s that easy, huh?” He folds his hands and leans forward, staring coldly into my eyes. “I’m not asking you to go off and prove me wrong, Cordelia. I’m giving you an ultimatum—get help. Go to therapy and forget about him. I don’t want to have a conversation with the Dean, but I will if I think it’s in your best interests. Also, you owe me a drug test. If it doesn’t come back clean, you’re heading straight to the same place Evie went.”
I’m dying.
My heart feels like it’s encased in cement, falling right out of me.
All I want to do is run, stuff my face in the nearest pillow, and scream and scream and scream until I pass out.
“Please understand. If this was his doing—and I’m certain it is—I’m only trying to do what’s right. I’m trying to help you, honey, even if you hate me now,” he whispers. “I’m proud of you. I won’t have your whole future derailed by this man and whatever devious addictions he’s pushing. There’s no shame in getting help. We all need it sometimes. Lord knows I did after your mother walked out years ago.”
He pauses, his eyes going glassy with tears as he watches me shake my head, snapping it side to side.
“I’ll always love and support you, Cordelia. That’s what families do. But I’m not going to sit back and watch while you blow your life up. While he’s poisoned you with his games, twisted your heart into thinking you actually...” He swallows hard. “That you love this maniac.”
He’s still talking, but I can’t process anything after that.
I’m blotting at my eyes until I can see, and then I’m up, blowing out of his office before he can say another cruel word.