Page 66 of Firefly
“Where were you?”
“With Bianca,” I say, swallowing hard as his jaw tightens.
“You disappeared all night.”
“I’m eighteen.”
The slap comes so fast I don’t even see it. Pain explodes across my cheek while my head snaps sideways.
Silence fills the foyer afterward.
My father rarely hits me. Which somehow makes it worse when he does.
He grips my chin harshly forcing me to look at him.
“You embarrass me at school.” His voice shakes with fury. “You disappear from this house. You run around Brimstone acting like a whore—”
“I’m not a whore!” I scream.
“Then start acting like a Fitzgerald!”
Tears instantly burn my eyes. “I hate you,” I whisper, and his expression hardens further.
“And I’m done tolerating your behavior,” he spits, and fear grips my lungs making it hard to breathe.
“No…”
“Yes.” He releases me roughly. “You’re going to Brimstone House,” he growls as panic detonates through me.
“No, no, no, please—” I plead.
“You clearly need discipline,” he says, and I start shaking.
“Please don’t send me there,” I beg, but he stares at me coldly while tears stream down my face. “I’ll do better,” I choke out desperately. “Please. I’ll do anything.”
Something calculating flashes behind his eyes then.
“What’s one thing,” I whisper shakily. “That would finally make you happy?” I ask as he eyes me.
“Set a wedding date,” he says flatly, but his eyes light up with excitement. My heart stops.
“What?”
“You and Brayden will marry immediately after graduation.” His tone turns final. “No more delays. No more excuses.”
Pain rips through my chest so harshly I almost fold in half.
“No…”
“You will also stop embarrassing him publicly.” My father steps closer. “While you’re suspended, you’ll spend every waking moment becoming the perfect future wife.”
I stare at him in horror as my stomach twists. I swear any second now I’m going to vomit all over his shoes.
“You can either choose Brayden Augustine…” His voice lowers dangerously. “Or I’ll let Brimstone House choose for you,” he says as a smile spreads across his face.
The threat wraps around my throat like barbed wire.
And the worst part?
