Page 25 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

Nathaniel grimaced.

“With a reaction like that, it can only be dear old Dad. Put him on speaker. I want to hear what he’s demanding today.”

I hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen, then tapped the button.

“Hello, Dad.”

“Kaylani,” he said coolly. “Preparations for Saturday’s dinner are underway. You will be there at five sharp.”

There was no hello or a how are you. It was all business and demands.

“I already told you I have a conflict.” I didn’t really but wanted to avoid this dinner like the plague.

“You will cancel it. This dinner is too important for whatever trivial thing you’ve scheduled.”

“I don’t appreciate being ordered around like a child,” I said firmly.

Silence. Then a sharp exhale like I was frustrating him.

“Then don’t act like a spoiled one. You will be there.”

Rage surged through me, and I couldn’t stop my retort.

“I’m not one of your acquisitions. You don’t get to order me around. I don’t even work for you anymore.”

“And yet,” he said smoothly, “you live rent-free under my roof, drive my cars, and spend the money I placed in trust for you. Do you not?”

The words are like a slap as he pressed his metaphorical thumb. “I’m your child, I didn’t realize that I’d be required to pay you back for things you give me. I wouldn’t have taken them if I’d known.”

“Enough of this,” he snapped. “This discussion is over. You will be there. Or else.”

The call ended.

My hands shook as I stared at the phone, then up at Nathaniel.

“Sometimes I really hate him,” I whispered.

“Sometimes?” Nathaniel scoffed. “I hate him full-time. He should be grateful you haven’t cut him out completely, like Titus and I have.”

“How did you do it? How did you live with him treating you like you were…”

“A piece of shit? I stopped being surprised by him. Then I built a life without him.”

I leaned against the desk, heart racing. I knew exactly what this dinner signified. A sale. I was nothing more than a thoroughbred in a parade before a race. The only question would be, who would pay the most for my hand in marriage? Hell, Father might even want me to prance like one of the horses.

Nathaniel crossed his arms.

“I say don’t go. But if you do, I’ll assign Goran to your detail. You need someone there who has your back besides Mother, and one who has a weapon.”

My breath caught, but luckily, he didn’t notice.

“And no, this isn’t a debate.” He was already typing out the text. “Done. He’ll be there.”

Nathaniel stepped toward the desk and pulled me into a quick hug. It was rare for him, but I soaked up the brotherly affection.

Moving back, he placed his hands on my shoulders.

“He’ll keep pushing until you tell him to fuck off.”