Page 79 of Arranged Devotion
“Alright, fine, but I’m going to check on you later.”
He glances down at his phone again before abruptly straightening. “Hey, you remember that campsite we went to when we were kids? Dad took the whole family and insisted it would bring us closer together?”
I smile, not sure why he’s bringing this up now. “I remember mosquitos, nasty lake water, and a bad sunburn.”
“We never were the outdoors type, right?”
“Not remotely. Why are you bringing that up now?”
“No reason. A fun memory, that’s all.”
I’m not sure what to make of it, but I’m too distracted to press. We make some more small talk before I leave him alone and head back downstairs. Normally this is where I’d leave it. Luke’s hurt but alive, he’s safe for now at least, and I should go back home.
Instead, I angle toward my father’s office.
He’s home. I don’t doubt it. If he’s not at work, he’s in here, either answering emails or clicking around on his computer. I never know what he’s doing back there and can’t ever ask, not unless I’m in the mood for a lecture and a smack to the mouth.
I doubt even marrying Liam could protect me from his anger.
Dad doesn’t seem happy to see me. The feeling's mutual. At least he’s unhurt. He grunts at my arrival and reluctantly tears his attention from his screen.
“Liam told me about what happened. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I’m fine. I was near the entrance when it happened. I got out.” He studies me, a curious expression on his face. “I hear that husband of yours saved lives. He acted quick.”
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
“If not for him, I’d guess there’d be more bodies to clean up. You should be proud.”
Strangely I am. I like that Liam risked himself to help others, especially to help Luke.
“I’ll pass that along.”
“Do what you want.” His attention wanes. I guess now that we aren’t talking about Liam anymore, it’s not interesting. “Anything else? I’m busy now.”
“No, I was only making sure you were okay.”
“You made sure. Good night, Regan.”
His dismissal stings. I don’t move though. I remain rooted in place, aware that I’m only going to get myself hurt, but unable to help myself. His eyes drift back to me and his face pinches in annoyance.
“I want to talk about Luke.”
“What’s there to say about your brother?”
“I want you to protect him, Dad. Keep him out of the fight.”
His expression darkens. “Careful.”
“We both know you have that influence. There’s a reason the Whelans wanted you to marry your daughter off to one of their top men. They listen to you, Dad, and if you asked them to make sure Luke was only ever given safe jobs?—“
“Regan,enough.” The ice in his tone sends a jolt down my spine. I clack my teeth together, stiffening to attention, terror lancing through my chest. I’m a little girl again, about to be punished, back before I learned how to survive.
Dad tips toward me. There’s a tired edge in his expression.
“The business is mine. You will never speak to me like this again.”
“I’m only asking?—“
