Page 238 of Power Play

My mother flinched. “Don’t be vulgar.”

“Ghetto?”

“Charmagne.”

“Dangerous?”

My father’s expression hardened. “Yes.”

The word landed between us, and my chest hurt.

“You think Ryan is dangerous.”

“I think you have lived a sheltered life.”

“You made sure I lived a sheltered life.”

“Because we protected you.”

“No.” My voice shook. “You controlled me.”

My mother recoiled. “That is unbelievably cruel.”

“I’m not trying to be cruel.”

“You just called us controlling.”

“Because you are.”

My father’s face changed. “Enough.”

“No, Daddy.”

The refusal escaped before fear could stop it. My entire body trembled as I stared at him.

“You don’t get to tell me when I’ve said enough anymore.”

My mother looked horrified.

“I love you,” I continued, my voice cracking. “I love both of you, and I know you love me. Loving me doesn’t mean you get to choose who I’m allowed to love.”

My father’s jaw tightened. “This is not love.”

“You don’t know that.”

“It’s infatuation.”

“It isn’t.”

“You barely know him.”

“I know him better than you believe I do.”

My mother shook her head. “This is exactly what we were afraid of.”

“What?”

“You becoming defensive over someone who clearly isn’t appropriate for you.”