“My foster parents died before I was old enough to attend college. I lived with my brother for most of my life because of the financial situation we both found ourselves in. I did take a few classes here and there, but ultimately never got the chance to seriously pursue anything that would lead to a career.”
“Well, you must have done something right to be in the midst of people who were attending this gala. Doesn’t seem like something anyone off the streets could just attend; the hotel seems quite exclusive and private,” my dad says.
“I had a few friends in that circle,” I lie—sort of.
“So, how long ago was that?”
“A little over four months,” Declan responds.
“That’s quick.”
“Maybe for some,” Declan tells him. “But look at her—I’d be a fool not to snatch her up.”
“You make it sound almost like a hostage situation,” I tease.
“It’s love, darling,” he says and then adds, feigning an evil grin, “It takes everyone hostage.”
We continue to talk, and my dad and I do our best not to dwell on all that was stolen from us and enjoy that we have each other now. I suggest getting out and going for a walk, and he informs me that, even after all these years, he is still at risk and has random surveillance as a safeguard—a service provided by witness protection for those whom the government sees fit.
“Even after all these years?” I ask him.
“People in the circle I was working in don’t take what I did lightly. Lives were lost after I gave the feds what they wanted. I turned my back on them, and now I’m marked in vendetta for life. Those affected will seek out their revenge until one of us is dead.”
I don’t doubt him, because I’m one of them. I will forever carry the torch of vengeance for those who wronged me and stole from me. Even though I have my father right here in flesh and bone, I’ll still seek revenge from those who took him from me in the first place.
His phone rings, and when he pulls it from his pocket, he looks up at me with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.”
At the same time, Declan also receives a call and excuses himself to the bedroom. My father walks to the other room when he accepts the call, but it isn’t far enough to keep me from hearing parts of his conversation.
“I’m with a client . . . I won’t be . . . I know . . . I love you too.”
“Was that your wife?” I question with a tinge of disdain leaking through after he hangs up.
When he looks at me from across the room, he’s visibly uncomfortable. “Umm . . . yes.”
I stand and don’t say anything. The light mood from earlier is now vexatious as real life intrudes on our clandestine gathering.
“I’m going to have to leave soon.”
“Why?” My chest sizzles in irritation when jealousy rears its ugly head.
“Hailey has a recital today.”
How fucking lovely.
“You’ve missed a million things in my life, you can’t miss one of hers?”
His forehead creases in confliction, but my resentment spares no lenience.
“It isn’t fair,” I say thickly.
“I agree, but it’s what we have to deal with.”
“So . . .” I begin and then pause when Declan walks back into the room.
“Is everything okay?” he asks, sensing the tension, and my father responds, “I have to leave.”
“It seems his other daughter has a recital that he can’t miss,” I tell Declan while keeping my eyes on my dad.
Declan places a supporting hand on the small of my back, and I continue what I was saying. “So, how does this all work then? I mean, if you can’t tell them about me . . .”
“I don’t really know, sweetheart.”
“I mean, when I leave, I won’t be able to call you unless you get yourself a burner phone, but then it’s only a matter of time before your wife will accuse you of an affair, and then what happens? You’ll resent me?” I sputter off, allowing my thoughts to get the better of me.
“We don’t have to figure this all out today,” Declan says, trying to reassure me, but I’m well aware how sensitive time is and blurt, “Come back with us.”
“Princess . . .”
“When we leave, get on the plane with us. Declan owns the plane; no one would even know you were on it.”
He moves towards me, saying gently, “I can’t leave my family.”
His words burn like acid, and I snap. “I’m your family!”
“You are,” he says quickly. “But so are they, and I can’t just disappear.”
“Like you did with me?”
“It’s not the same.”
My body heats with rage and jealousy. I’m giving him a choice, and he’s choosing wrong.
“They’ve had you!” I cry out. “They’ve had more years with you than I ever got!”
“Hey,” Declan says softly, trying to get my attention, but I ignore him and lash out at my dad.
“So is this what I’m left with? Scraps? That’s all I get of you, whatever time you can manage to sneak away from your precious little family?”
“Elizabeth,” Declan says in another attempt to get my attention as my dad stands there speechless.
“You used to be mine,” I tell my father on a quivering voice. “It was you and me, and we didn’t have to share with anyone.”
“And now we do.” The sorrow in his eyes is reflected in his voice.