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Stop it. I never used to allow my thoughts to even reflect my negative feelings toward my father, but being around Giancarlo was changing that.
I looked away and reached into my pocket. I had a few twenties left over. “Um, this is—”
My father snatched the money from my hands.
“All I have left.”
“Eighty bucks, that’s it?” Dad tossed his hands up after he pocketed the money. “You need to get more than that.”
“What?”
My father moved toward me. I flinched away, only for him to drape his arm over my shoulder. “Money. I know he has more in that house.” He squeezed me closer to his body, almost like a hug. “I’m not going to lie to you. It’s been hard out here since you left. The house is so empty, and money is tight.” He pulled back and met my gaze. “I need your help. You need to pay me back for all those years I took care of you.”
“You want me to steal?”
“Don’t sound like a fucking pussy. Have some damn balls, or has that fucker cut them off already? He got you wearing skirts and lipstick now?”
I shook my head hard, lost for words.
“What does he have you doing?” Dad pinched the bridge of his nose. “He fucking you in the ass?”
I shook my head. “I—”
“Don’t lie to me, boy.”
My back stiffened, and I instantly stared at my feet. “I cook and clean.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.Giancarlo, please come save me.
No matter how much I wished and prayed, I knew the truth. No one was coming. No one ever came. I shoved down every thought of happiness and hope to the deepest parts of my soul. They weren’t ever really going to be mine, no matter what happened.
“Good.” My father’s hands landed heavily on my shoulders, cementing me to the spot. “Keep up the good work. Pretty soon, we can be together again.”
I didn’t want that. I wanted to— My mind drew to a halt at the first thing I might have wanted. It wasn’t reasonable, and it was fucking insane.
“Ash, are you listening to me?” my father snapped.
I jerked my head up. “Yes, father.”
He didn’t look too sure. His phone dinged, and he pulled it out. “Shit, we will meet up again. I’ll find you. Leave the damn house by yourself.” He edged the alleyway going the opposite way of the main street. “I expect more money.”
My father didn’t wait for confirmation, and I didn’t give him one. I stared at the other wall before falling. My ass crashed into the concrete. Pain vibrated up my body, but it did nothing to distract me from the confused feeling pulsing through me.
I pressed against the wall sucking in shallow breaths, my mind only going to one person.
Giancarlo. I need you.
“Ash?” a familiar voice called out.
I blinked a few times. Slowly, everything came back into focus. Smooth dark skin and a friendly smile greeted me.
“Hey, doc.”
Melony looked around. “Giancarlo isn’t here?”
I shook my head. I wished he was. She offered her hand, and I realized I was still on the ground. I jumped up, instantly regretting it as my torso and ass erupted in pain.
