Page 39 of Daring to Love You (Priestly Family #3)

Chapter Thirty-Two

S till pissed at Mr. Mathews, Dorian’s breaths came in short spurts while leaving the dining room with Bridget.

She was so angry. Not just at Lynix’s father, but also at herself.

She hadn’t planned to say so much. Heck, she hadn’t planned to say anything, but the guy had picked the wrong day to insult her.

“What happened to my son?” Bridget asked when they reached the kitchen.

Dorian sighed and placed her hand on Bridget’s arm. “I’m sorry for all I said in there. I apologize for disrespecting your husband.”

“Honey, no apology necessary. He needed to hear everything you said and more. Not to sound condescending, but I’m proud of you. Don’t ever let anyone, not even my arrogant, knuckleheaded husband, disrespect you or treat you less than you deserve.

“Now I want to know what woman you were talking about. Is it Marisela?”

When Dorian didn’t respond, Bridget said, “I’ll take that as a yes, and I respect you for keeping my son’s secrets.

I never liked that little hussy for him, but Weston and Karsten insisted the kids were perfect for each other.

I knew Lynix would eventually come to his senses about her, but I was prepared to step in if he didn’t. ”

Dorian wasn’t sure what to say. So she kept her mouth shut.

“I know something happened in college,” Bridget said, sounding more like she was talking to herself. “Lynix was quieter, more distant after that first semester, but trying to get any of my boys to talk about their problems or emotions was and still is impossible.”

When the woman turned concerned eyes on Dorian, she groaned.

“You’re going to have to hear it from him or your husband.

I can’t betray his trust.” She just hoped Lynix didn’t hate her for insisting he tell his dad.

If nothing else came out of the night, she hoped Lynix and his father could fix their relationship.

“Okay, since your lips are sealed, do you want to wash or dry? Because I gave the cook and housekeeper the night off.”

Dorian laughed. There were two dishwashers in the kitchen, but some items probably needed to be washed by hand.

“I’ll wash,” she said, “but first, how about some dessert?” She pointed to the container on the counter, glad she’d left a few of the treats in the kitchen.

“Well, I’ve already tried the cupcake, and the lemon-blueberry mini cheesecake was life-changing. I can’t wait to place an order with you. They both were delicious.”

“Thank you,” Dorian said, and they both startled when loud cursing and yelling filtered into the kitchen.

The words were angry, but Dorian could tell they weren’t directed at Lynix. She was so proud of him. It was clear he had shared the story with Mr. Mathews. She just hoped it brought them closer.

“That’s it. I’m finding out what’s going on.” Bridget rushed out of the kitchen, and Dorian was right behind her.

When they reached the dining room, they stopped at the door when they found the men in a tight embrace. Lynix was facing her, but he had his eyes closed, and she could hear Mr. Mathews saying he was sorry, he was so sorry.

“What happened?” Bridget walked over to her men. “You guys are scaring me, and one of you better start talking.”

Mr. Mathews swiped at his face and blinked several times before shaking his head. “Come with me, honey,” he said and started to leave the room.

“Dad,” Lynix called out. “I need to be there when Marisela is confronted.”

His father nodded, then turned to Dorian.

“Young lady, I owe you an apology. I’m deeply sorry for my insensitive words and for making you feel like you don’t belong in our family.

” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, and Dorian thought she would pass out in shock.

“Welcome to my family.” He gave her a slight smile and left the room with his wife.

Dorian went to Lynix who was watching her, and she couldn’t read his expression. His eyes were a little watery, but it didn’t look as if he’d been crying. She couldn’t imagine how hard it had to be to tell his father the story.

“I’m sorry, baby,” she said and slowly ran her hands up his chest. “I know I was out of order, but…”

Lynix pulled her into a tight hug, effectively cutting off her words.

“I don’t know how I’ve gone this long without you in my life,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for making me a better, stronger man, and for making me tell my father everything.”

She leaned back to look at him. “I love you, and thank you for making me a better, stronger, self-confident woman. I’ve seen a change in myself, and I like it.”

A slow smile appeared on his handsome face before he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his. The kiss was so tender and sweet, Dorian almost whimpered.

God, she loved him and would be forever grateful that he came up with the idea to fake date… even if she knew what he was up to.

Days later, Lynix and his father sat in Mr. Baldwin’s home office waiting for Marisela to arrive. Lynix had thought telling Dorian about that night in college was hard, but it was even harder to share with his father. He had also shown him the video.

Lynix couldn’t ever remember seeing his father break down, and something shifted between them. His dad had hugged him so tightly, he thought he’d crack a rib. But it was when he said, “I love you” that Lynix found himself getting emotional.

On some level, he had always known his father loved him, but the words were rarely, if ever, spoken. That went for both of them, and Lynix planned to make every effort to rebuild their relationship.

His dad had been livid. He had wanted to destroy Marisela. Wanted her to pay in every way possible, and he had been prepared to say to hell with his and Mr. Baldwin’s friendship. But once he calmed down, they formed a plan to help Lynix put this behind him once and for all.

When they told Mr. Baldwin about what Marisela had done, he didn’t believe Lynix. Not until he watched the video. Then he’d been distraught. He knew his daughter wasn’t an angel, but he had no idea she was capable of something so heinous.

After a lengthy discussion on how to handle the situation, Lynix had agreed he wouldn’t do anything to publicly shame Marisela or her family. They were going to try to keep the information in-house but with some changes.

“Dad? Where are you?” Marisela called out.

“I’m in the study,” her father said, and they all stood. Mr. Baldwin remained behind his desk, and Lynix and his father stood to the side.

“All right, Dad, I’m here. What’s so imp…” Her words trailed off when she walked farther into the office dressed in a tennis outfit, and her eyes met Lynix’s.

“I told you what would happen if you came near me again,” he said, his words cold and unyielding.

Marisela looked frantically between all of them, but her eyes settled on her father. By his expression, Lynix was sure she could tell he knew everything.

“Daddy, I can explain.”

Lynix held up a contract that he’d had drawn up to ensure Marisela never came near him or Dorian again.

Not only that, but she was never to speak of him or the incident in college.

She also had to agree to live in another country.

That last part might not be a hardship since she often traveled the world, but she wouldn’t see her father as often.

“Since a verbal agreement didn’t work,” Lynix said, “I took the liberty of having a contract drawn up. Your father has already approved it.”

“Daddy, you have to let me explain.”

“Sign the papers, Marisela,” Mr. Baldwin said, and there was no room in his tone for an argument.

Once the document was signed and she received her copy, Lynix and his father headed to the door. As he was leaving, he heard Mr. Baldwin say to Marisela, “Sit your ass down.”

As he walked out of their home, Lynix felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He only wished he had done this years ago, but at least now he could move on with his life… with Dorian.