Page 27 of Jordan

“No. This is something we need to discuss in person.”

She nods, watching me with a deepening frown as I hurry up the stairs to my room.

I pace for a while, wondering what the hell I’m going to do. I move to my door, press the speaker button, and say, “Jeanette, please bring me up a bottle of Moscato. No need for a glass.”

I head into my bathroom and turn on the taps to fill the tub as I undress and throw my hair into a messy bun. I sit on the edge as I wait, hating that every time I shift, there is an ache between my legs that reminds me of Enzo.

Just a few short hours ago, I was thrilled about it. Now? It makes me angry.

How dare he?

How dare he!

There is a knock on the bathroom door, and I open it enough to take the bottle. I thank Jeanette, and she leaves my room, but not before asking if everything is okay.

“I’m fine. Just want space.”

“Please call if you need anything.”

I go to the panel on my bathroom wall and set it to play soft classical music. I dim the lights, grab my cell phone, and get into the tub once it’s full. The cork pops off the wine bottle with ease and I drink directly from the bottle until a third of it is gone.

I rest back, trying to relax, but nothing helps. Not the hot water. Not the music. Not the wine.

I grab my phone and look through my messages for someone to text. Of course I have people I chat with sometimes. People I know from school and will meet up with now and then, but none of them are close. I’m not sure I’d categorize them as friends. They’re more like acquaintances. I’ve always been a homebody. Always preferred staying in rather than going out clubbing like all the other girls my age. I scroll through the names, but none of them stand out as someone I want to text over this. I don’t want anyone to know what the hell is happening to me. It’s embarrassing! How sad is that? I don’t have one single person in this world I can confide in? No one I trust? How pathetic.

Because that person is your father.

Well, he’s the one who screwed me over!

He’s selling me off like a damn prized pig!

Tears fill my eyes as I drop my phone to the floor. It lands on the plush bath rug with a dull thud. My face cloth is perched on the edge of the tub, so I dunk it into the water and drape it over my face. I consider sinking into the water and not coming back up. Ever. I could never do that. I don’t want to do that. I just want my life to be back to normal.

I’m not sure how long I stay in the tub for. Not long enough because I haven’t melted yet, but the water is getting cold. I pull the cloth from my face and look at my hands. They’re pruny, so I should get out. I’m not solving any problems by staying in here. Still, another ten minutes won’t do me any harm.

There’s a knock on the door. It better be Jeanette telling me my father is here.

“Yes?” I call out.

“I’m sorry to bother you, Miss Jordan, but you have someone here for you.” Jeanette opens the door enough to poke her head inside. She looks concerned.

Someone here for me? I sit up straight, causing water to slosh around.

“Is it my father?”

“No, Miss.” She frowns.

“Well, who is it?” I shout. I’ve always liked Jeanette. She’s kind and respectful and does a lot of things for me but use your brain!

“It’s Mr. Bramante.”

My blood runs cold, and this bath suddenly feels like it’s filled with ice cubes.

“Tell him to go away!” I shriek. How dare he come to my house? What is he thinking?

“Yes, Miss.” Jeanette disappears. I huff out a sigh and rest back, only to have my door thrust open so hard it slams against the wall. In steps the bastard himself. I jerk up, water sloshing over the sides of the tub and landing on the floor with a slap. I go for the towel to cover myself, but I can’t reach it before he’s blocking me.

“Suddenly so shy?” He grins down at me, standing at the edge of the tub.