Page 65 of Watched

My heart is aching, and I’m not sure what to say. No words will make that experience less traumatic for him.

He waves a hand to the shower. “Can you explain now?”

I wipe my eyes, nodding. “I’m just—” I snap my mouth shut when a fist pounds my bedroom door.

“Rome,” my father calls.

No, no, no.

My face pulls taut as I look to Rain, who wears the most devious smile I’ve ever seen. “No.” I step in front of him and place a hand on his chest. “Just stay here.”

He cocks a brow. “He’s made you feel like shit your entire life. It’s my fucking turn.” He pushes past me and rounds the bed toward the door. Planting on a grin, he unlocks it as I step up behind him, the vomit back in my throat.

My father immediately locks his gaze to both our towels and wet hair. I drop my head, praying the ground could swallow me whole.

“I’m taking Indie and Kilah,” Dad snaps.

I shake my head. “No, they asked to stay here. They don’t want to leave.”

He gives that stern glare I’ve always been afraid of. “They’re my children, Rome.”

“And they’re my sisters,” I argue, stepping up beside Rain. “They aren’t comfortable in your house, but they are here.”

He laughs dryly, waving a finger between me and Rain. “You’re exposing them to this, and you believe that they’ll be comfortable with it?”

“They don’t seem to mind one bit,” Rain throws back.

“This is family business,” Dad argues.

“Rome is, and will forever be, my family.”

“I’m disappointed in you, Rome,” Dad scoffs. “What a terrible choice of partner.”

My thumbs rub against the underside of my fingers when Rain begins laughing. “Is it because I’m male, or the fact that I don’t give two shits about your opinion? Maybe both.”

“The girls are leaving.”

“No.” Rain grins. “You’re leaving—either in cuffs for trespassing, or of your own free will.”

“You fucking little punk.”

“I’d take the second option, Daniel, because I can ruin your life without even fucking blinking.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

“Enough,” I whisper. “Dad, you aren’t taking them.”

Dad’s hands shake, anger deepening his wrinkles. “That’s not your decision.”

“At least he has their best interests at heart.” Rain smirks. “Narcissists only ever think of themselves.” Dad’s brows raise, and he laughs as he turns. “Miranda,” Rain says.

Dad rigidly stops and turns around, fury blazing in his eyes. “What the fuck did you just say?”

Rain’s eyes narrow deviously. “Miranda.”

“Who’s that?” I ask.