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“I did neither of those things. I asked youhowyou felt, and you won’t answer because it’s not the answer you want to give.”
“With all the shit he did?—”
“He made it right with my parents. He exonerated me of a crime I didn’t commit—which had nothing to do with him. When I begged him for you, he did try to steer you back toward me. It doesn’t excuse what he did, but it shows that he does care. He just has an odd way of showing it sometimes.”
My arms tightened and I looked away.
“I know how much you care about him. I know this pain is eating at your heart every day. That’s how you die at thirty-five from a heart attack. Stress. It’s the silent killer.”
I continued to avoid his stare.
“I support whatever you decide. But I think if we were to give your father another chance, it would be different this time.”
“We just had a nice dinner. Let’s forget about this.”
“Well, I can’t just forget about it,” he said. “Because as far as I’m concerned, your father and I have buried the hatchet. I need to pay him a visit and thank him for what he did. I’d appreciate it if you came with me.”
I rose off the bed and walked into the closet, letting my dress fall to the floor. One of his t-shirts was folded in the drawer, so I pulled it over my head and wore it like a blanket with sleeves. It was time for bed and I was tired, but my heart raced like I was about to head out for a run.
Axel came into the closet and leaned against the doorframe. With his arms crossed over his chest, he watched me. “I know you must feel some gratitude toward him. I know you must admire what he did, what I couldn’t even do.”
“Can we just go to bed?—”
“All I’ve ever wanted is you. And I know you two come as a set. You belong as a set.”
“Axel—”
“Just come with me. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.” He blocked the doorway with his massive size, telling me that this conversation wouldn’t end until I agreed to his terms.
“Fine. I’ll come with you.”
We pulled up onto the property and parked the car. I looked at the three-story villa, the place where I’d grown up, the place to which I’d thought I would never return. My heart had the pace of a hummingbird’s wings, fluttering in my chest in terror. I was nervous to see him, although I wasn’t sure why.
I was right. He was wrong.
Axel opened the door then came around to get me. My door was open, but I remained in my seat, my safety belt still strapped across my chest. In early spring, it was still dark earlier than I preferred, so winter’s bite maintained its grip.
Axel continued to stare at me. “You don’t have to talk.” He leaned down and hit the button with his finger, making the strap come free from my shoulder. “Come on.” He gave me his hand.
I released a sigh before I took it, feeling his strong arm pull me up to my feet.
“Attagirl.” His arm moved around me as he escorted me to the front double doors. We let ourselves inside since he was expecting us, and once we entered the parlor, we saw my father sitting on the couch, waiting for us. Normally, he let his butler handle his guests and came out at his leisure, but now he was the one who was anxious to see us.
He didn’t seem to have expected me to come because his eyes widened slightly at the sight of me. A fire burned in the black marble fireplace. Everything was dark and chic, with pendant lighting in places, dark couches, a place that clearly belonged to a bachelor but still had the touch of a woman.
He rose to his feet, eyes still on me, forgetting Axel entirely.
Axel brought me close then moved in front of me to take my father’s hand. “Thanks for seeing me, Dante.”
His eyes were still on me. “The pleasure is mine, Axel.”
Axel moved to the couch.
I stood there and met my father’s stare.
He looked at me with a mixture of fear and joy, like he was happy I was there but also terrified of what I might say. “I’m happy to see you, sweetheart.”
My eyes moved down, and I took the seat beside Axel.
