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“Did you only come here to remind me that I lost it all?”
“Not just that. I came to let you know that my jewelry business has just gone national,” I say. “After Thierry lost his Everton property, I went in and bought his store for pennies on the dollar. Arianne is now a recognized and coveted brand, I might add. The first lady commissioned a special ring for her wedding anniversary. It’s going to be featured in Forbes magazine next month.”
He smiles softly. “Good. I’m glad to hear that, honey. I’m glad to know you’re doing what you love. Had I been more supportive, maybe we wouldn’t be here.”
“No, we’re here because you broke the law and hurt a lot of people just to get your ass in the mayor’s seat,” I snap. “Not because you were a crappy, selfish father. Let’s not get the two mixed up.”
He scoffs and shakes his head, but he doesn’t dare argue further on the matter. He knows I’ve got a burn for everything he might think of throwing my way. “How is Dylan? He must be growing into a handsome little tyke.”
Of course, my father doesn’t know of my intimate arrangement with Sky, Raylan, and Kendric. Marriage is obviously off the table since I can’t marry all three of my men, but as far as the public is concerned, I’m in a happy and loving relationship with Sky. It’s the only way to keep our dynamic protected and away from any kind of scrutiny. It allows us to grow as a family unit and to protect our children from the rest of the world.
“He’s good,” I say. “Already king of the kindergarten. The other kids love him. He’s friendly and bubbly, always up for a game.”
“And that little one?” he asks, nodding at my belly.
“Healthy. Growing fast. He’s due in April. Or she. We don’t know yet,” I reply.
“Can I see some photos of Dylan, at least?”
I’m inclined to say no, but since my father will never be allowed to meet his grandchildren, the least I can do is show a smidge of mercy and let him look at a few photos. Mom would want him to know that despite his crimes, this family survived and thrived without him as best as we could. He flips through the photos on my phone, and it unsettles me to see that he is unable to show any emotion. His voice sounds soft, but his eyes betray him.
This man has a piece missing from his soul.
I take the phone back and slip it into my purse. “That’s enough,” I say.
“Yes, you don’t want me getting too attached. I understand.”
“Oh, by the way, Thierry is looking at a five-year stretch in Folsom,” I shoot back with a wry smile. “They finally caught him last week. He didn’t stand a chance in court.”
My father’s face drops. “That old fool.”
“You really thought he’d make it, huh? Thierry may have been smart to leave shortly after he got you out of the house that night, but let’s face it, it was only a matter of time before Interpol would find him. He wasn’t as smart as he thought, going back to France. In fact, that was the dumbest thing he could do, considering that France has a solid extradition treaty in place with the US,” I say.
“Well, justice is finally being served across the board. It’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”
“It’s what I deserve. It’s what every person who ever suffered at your and your friends’ hands deserves,” I bluntly reply. “Look at me, Dad.” He won’t. He stares at his hands, splayed across the table. “Look at me.” Finally, he raises his gaze to meet mine. “I forgive you. But I will show you no kindness, no mercy. You helped the Black Hand destroy our family. You covered for them after they killed my mother. And when the Steel Knights kidnapped me, you used my misery, my nightmare, as an opportunity to gather some much-needed sympathy votes for your senate run.
“Not once did you have my best interest at heart. And I will never forget that night at the cemetery. It’s seared into my mind forever. The way you looked at me, the way you walked away. You left me there to die so you could protect your career. So, everything that has happened since, it’s on you, Dad. I’m under no obligation to come here, and I sure as hell don’t intend to let you anywhere near my family. Ever.”
“Ariana, you’re being cruel,” he whispers as the truth of my words starts to sink in.
“No, I’m just being honest. Isn’t that what you used to tell me when you expressed your disappointment that I didn’t pursue a political career like you?” I ask, half-smiling. “I’m just being honest, unlike you. You’ve told so many lies. You’ve probably told yourself the most lies now that I think about it. You built this fantasy world in your head where you were the king, and we were all your idiot pawns, yours to play with as you wished. Well, it’s over. You’re probably going to die here, especially if you don’t take better care of yourself.
“And if the day ever comes that you do get out of here, rest assured, Dad, you will never be welcome in Everton ever again. There’s actually a pretty high chance that a Steel Knights convoy will be waiting for you at the prison gates, ready to take you as far away from New Hampshire as possible.”
“Why are you telling me all this now?” my father asks.
I get up and take a deep breath. “Because this is the last you’ll ever see of me. Because you no longer have a place in my life. Because I’ve finally found my peace and joy, and you’ll never get close enough to ruin it ever again. Goodbye, Dad.”
“Ariana …”
It’s too late. I’m already out the door, swallowing back tears as he keeps shouting my name.
“Ariana, don’t do this! Ariana!”
The farther I get, the easier it becomes. The lighter my steps, the lighter my heart. The path becomes brighter ahead as I walk out of the prison, tears streaming freely down my cheeks.
The summer sun kisses my face as I step through the main gate, a smile stretching over my lips as I see my men waiting by the car.
