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“It’s a top-of-the-line system,” she explained. “But we lost connection with it when the internet went down in the neighborhood.”
“Why wasn’t anybody here to check?”
Duke stepped forward. “Because I decided against it.”
“Then you’re a moron. You’re fired. Lucas, fire the jerk.”
Lucas stoically ignored Dad.
Duke got right in Dad’s face. “I didn’t send someone because I prioritized your daughter’s safety over the situation with the house. Our job, my job, is the safety and security of the person or people under my protection—not stuff, people, not things. I kept your daughter safe. I did my job.”
Dad hadn’t backed up under the assault until Duke was done. Instead of responding to Duke, he attacked his boss.
“Lucas, you’re not putting enough resources on this. You’re ultimately responsible.”
Lucas fixed Dad with a deadly stare and pointed a finger. “Lloyd, as I explained, it’s not your call, but I am getting two additional people for the job. As for responsibility, yes, I’m responsible, and in my book, Duke made the right call. We protect people, not things.
I moved up to put a supporting arm around my man. The first man I’d ever seen stand up to my father like that.
My brother Vincent walked in the door. “Wow, this is a mess.”
“It’s a good thing neither of you was here,” Dad said. “And you’re both coming home with me.”
There it was, the ultimatum I’d expected.
Vincent shook his head. “No thanks. I’m going home.”
“Thisisyour and Serena’s home,” Dad insisted. “And it’s not fit to live in. You’re both coming with me.”
“No. My other home.”
Dad’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I’m here part of the time and in Marina del Rey the rest.”
Dad’s expression morphed from confused to angry. “You were supposed to be living here, keeping Serena safe.”
Vincent pointed my way. “Dad, open your eyes. She’s not a child. She’s a grownup making her own way in the world.”
I loved my brother to death for defending me.
The detective who’d been interviewing Constance poked his head in. “Duke Hawk?”
Dad turned on me. “This is unbelievable, young lady. You’re coming home with me.” He came forward.
Duke blocked him. “She decides. Not you.”
Dad tried to move around Duke. Duke shifted to stay between us.
“Out of my way,” Dad bellowed.
Duke’s low voice was dangerous. “Again, she decides, not you.”
Duke was the first person I’d met who wasn’t affected by my father’s wealth or power.
“Serena,” Dad pleaded.
“Dad, I’m going with Duke.” I didn’t know where that was or for sure that Duke wanted it, but I wouldn’t allow Dad to lock me away again.
