Page 32

A s Agent Hopkins, the Federal agent that my aunts contacted to help, secures the wire beneath the back of my dress as my heart hammers in my chest.

Everything is happening so fast, and even though I know the plan from front to back like the back of my hand, I’m still shaking with nerves.

What if Malik’s wrong? What if he thinks my dad killed Micah, but he was just confused? What if the only reason two federal agents are in my dorm room now is because I put them there? What if we’re wrong?

Agent Hopkins zips up the back of my shimmering pink satin dress, and I turn around as she starts to say, “You are all set to go. Just talk to him, see what you can get. We need his verbal confirmation about killing Micah before we move in.”

My aunts are all three sitting on my bed with Sunny watching us intently.

“I understand.”

When we filled them in on Micah and what had happened, they shared that they had been approached a few times over the years regarding suspicion around some of my father’s business affairs, but they never had anything concrete to bring him in for. And when you’re going to arrest a congressman, you’d better be sure before you slap accusations like that on them.

It looks like I’m going to be the nail in his coffin, as long as I can get him talking.

“We will be waiting outside of the venue,” she states before throwing the Legends hood up on her sweatshirt. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” I mutter and chuckle humorously.

“How are you feeling?” Flora asks as my door clicks shut.

Turning to look in the mirror, I relax my widened eyes and drop my shoulders. “I’ll be fine.”

The pink gown is held up by two thin straps. The bodice is boned and corseted tight to my waist, making my boobs look somehow even fuller than usual, as they’re pressed against my chest.

My blonde hair cascades down my back, the front sections pulled back and secured with diamond barrettes.

Fauna walks over and delicately rests her hands on my bare shoulders. “You look beautiful, Lore.”

My heart swells. “Thanks, Fauna.”

She smiles, her eyes lighting up. I got awfully lucky to be raised by these three women. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. They might not be my mom—no one ever will be—but they are my closest family.

A knock sounds on the door, and the nerves somehow spike tenfold. I know Malik’s attracted to me, and I often want to impress him, but this is by far the most effort I’ve ever put into getting dressed up, and I want him to like it.

Flora walks over and pulls the door open.

I can feel his stare on my profile, caressing my skin like a physical touch, burning down my body. Turning my head, I lock on to his intense stare, and my lips part.

God, he looks so goddamn good in a suit and tie. His hair is perfectly tousled atop his head.

“You look breathtaking, Alora,” he murmurs softly as he approaches my side, his eyes glued to mine.

Even though I’m wearing five-inch heels, he towers over me, but it’s a lot easier for me to do this. Grabbing the back of his neck, I stretch up and press my lips against his.

Pulling away, I rest my forehead against his chest and take a few deep breaths.

“Are you ready to go?” he asks, kissing the top of my head.

Sunny jumps off of my bed and waddles over to him happily. Malik bends down and gives her his undivided attention, and somehow, my heart warms even more.

Glancing up at my aunts, I see such a deep fondness and adoration on their faces while they watch Sunny and Malik together. Clearly, he has grown on them. I know they’re still cautious, and I don’t blame them. I’m just glad they’re giving him a chance.

Grabbing my phone, I realize we only have fifteen minutes before I need to be at the Triton Harbor Event Center.

Hooking my purse over my shoulder, I tuck a water bottle inside, followed by my phone. “We should probably get going.”

Tearing himself away from Sunny, he stands to his full height and walks back over to me, offering me his hand, which I happily take.

“We’ll be there shortly,” Fauna says warmly, pulling me in for a quick hug, followed by Flora and Freya doing the same.

“I love you guys,” I swoon, struggling to keep the overwhelming nerves at bay.

“We love you too, darling,” Freya says, heading to the door with Sunny’s leash in her hand.

They are going to keep Sunny with them tonight at the event. I love her and would rather have her with me, but in case anything goes south, I want her safe with them.

Malik and I head downstairs, hand in hand. Walking into the chilly evening air, I suck in a sharp breath.

Phillip honks the horn of his Rolls Royce, and we head his way. Malik slides into the back seat, and I sit up front with Phillip.

“You guys sure do look great together,” Phillip coos with a smile on his lips.

“I know,” Malik mumbles possessively, and I roll my eyes.

Turning, I find a smirk on his lips and chuckle at his ridiculousness.

Phillip drives us across town to the event center where the charity gala is being held.

Tonight’s charity doesn’t deserve to be tarnished by anything my father might have done. Which is why I plan on pulling him away when I get there to talk to him one-on-one.

My mind drifts away during the drive, replaying old memories of my dad and me. The version of him that I knew when I was little and when my mom was still around. When he was charismatic, funny, carefree, genuine, and ethical. He was the best dad when my mom was alive. So loving and attentive.

Her death changed him. It might not have happened drastically but more gradually over the years. As if he locked himself in a tower, and his obsession with building his empire drove him mad.

We pull around the giant marble fountain with a mermaid-shaped spout and come to a stop outside of the center. Three valet workers approach and open our doors for us, helping us out of the car.

Phillip tips them generously, handing his keys over to the one seemingly in charge, who slips into his car and pulls away, quickly replaced by the next car that rounds the fountain.

Malik slides his hand into mine and squeezes firmly, letting me know that even if it feels like it, I’m not here alone.

With Malik on my right and Phillip on my left, I stroll toward the door, my heels clicking on the pavement with each step.

The doors open for us, and we are immediately greeted by security. I present my ID, and Malik and I are allowed entry, quickly followed by Phillip once he checks in. Malik, of course, isn’t on the list, but it doesn’t matter because he’s my plus-one.

Sauntering down the wide hallway, we turn into the grand ballroom, and my eyes widen. They sure went all out. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, drapery hanging throughout the entire room. The round tables are decorated with gorgeous flower arrangements and candles.

I know this gala is for a good cause, but I bet if they’d donated half of the money they spent on decor, they still would have been able to put on a wonderful event.

The room is bustling with conversations, women in flowing gowns and men in crisp suits filling the large space.

Teetering on the edge of entering the room and turning and running, I take a few shaky, deep breaths. Everything that comes next will be unpredictable. I have no idea how my father is going to react when he sees that the plus-one I brought is Malik.

I have no idea when our confrontation will occur, but I will need to get him alone at some point to talk to him.

He’s the wolf in a room full of sheep. I just need to lure him away from the herd.

A shiver runs down the back of my spine, and I look to my right, locking eyes with the man of the evening.

My dad’s smiling at something an older man in his group is mumbling, but there’s no joy or humor in his eyes. Only anger and confusion when he sees Malik with me.

Comforting me, Malik rubs his hand up and down the small of my back.

A few of the guys next to my dad follow his stare, and I recognize them vaguely. My dad lifts his hand in the air and waves us over.

Oh shit.

Malik guides me forward, and I force myself to get out of my own head and start playing the part that I once perfected.

My spine straightens, and my shoulders shift back as I lead us across the floor with a smile on my face. As we reach the group, I nod politely, a slight bow to my head to show my respect.

Lifting my arm, I greet my dad with a side hug. “Hi, Dad.”

“Alora.” He grins, squeezing my shoulder tightly. “You look … lovely.” The words are hard for him to spit out.

I know he’s fuming inside … for a multitude of reasons. I’m not wearing the dress he sent. I brought a date other than Phillip. And I was late.

“I’m glad you could make it,” he hums, getting a little dig in at my punctuality.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” My gaze skates across the three gentlemen to his left, all staring at me a little too intensely.

“A word,” my father mumbles, trying to steer me away from the group, but I keep my feet planted.

It’s not the right time. I was told to attend the evening as planned, follow the itinerary, and then get him alone when everyone was bidding at the silent auction.

Malik secures me at his side, and the look in my father’s eyes is one of malice.

A waitress walks by with a tray of champagne, and I grab one, taking a sip.

“We can’t leave yet; the event is about to begin.”

As if on cue, the speakers in the room pulse as someone taps the microphone. “Good evening, everyone. Please make your way to your seats in the next minute or so, and we’ll get started.”

“Malik, should we find our table?” I look up at him, sliding my hand across his chest, feeling the hair on the back of my neck rise from the glare in my father’s eyes.

“You are with us, Alora. Your … date can join. Phillip as well.” My dad glances over at him. “Good to see you, Phillip,” he adds politely, offering his hand for Phillip to shake.

He shakes it and nods. “Good to see you too, sir.”

We follow my father to a table near the stage. He pulls my chair out for me as we approach. Taking a deep breath, I kindly sit, letting him push it in for me.

His hands slide over the tops of my shoulders, and he leans down, his warm breath hitting my ear. “What do you think you’re doing? Embarrassing me like this. Alora Briarwood, you know better. Get rid of him in the next five minutes.”

Tipping my head to the side, with a smile planted on my face, I whisper, “Or what?”

He goes silent, clenching his jaw as he pushes away from me before taking a seat at the chair to my right.

Malik sits to my left, and Phillip is to the left of him as the air in the room becomes heavier, making it harder to breathe as we sit and wait.

The announcer takes the stage again a moment later and commences the gala, welcoming everyone in attendance. Apparently, it’s their biggest gala yet with high expectations.

Time seems to fly by as every item in my mental checklist is marked.

Introductions.

Opening speech.

Video dedication.

Silent auction.

After two hours of quietly sitting and waiting, it’s nearly time for me to get up and lure my dad out. We didn’t want to disrupt the event as much as possible. Tonight isn’t about my dad.

I’ve run the conversation through my head a thousand times over, but I’m still not completely sure what I’m going to say when the time comes.

He’s been fuming at my side this entire night—waiting for a moment to reprimand me, I’m sure. And now’s his chance.

Leaning over to Malik, I murmur, “I’m going. I love you.”

He kisses my temple and whispers in my ear, “I love you, baby.”

I don’t know if I could do this without him here tonight to support me. It certainly would have been ten times harder.

Turning to my father, I lean toward him and excuse myself. “I’ll be right back. Going to use the restroom.”

When he whips his head my way, the rage in his eyes is still as hot as ever. Although maybe it’s been there all along, and I just haven’t fully noticed until now.

He doesn’t say a word, and I push my chair back, heading out of the back of the room toward the hallway.

Pushing through the door, I stroll down the well-lit hall toward the restrooms, away from the gala. Farther than needed, but out of the way so as not to be inconvenient to anyone else when my dad inevitably follows me and raises his voice.

My father is predictable as always when it comes to his anger. His familiar gait sounds behind me on the marble, the heels of his dress shoes clacking against the ground.

His voice is sharp, stopping me dead in my tracks. “Alora.”

Spinning on my heel, I watch him speed-walk over to me, no mask hiding the disappointment on his face.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Scoffing, I cross my arms. “God forbid I wear a dress that I like.”

He points his finger at me, lowering his voice as a few people turn into the hallway we’re in. “You and I both know that your slutty dress is not what I’m talking about.” With his hands on his hips, he squints at me. “Why are you so intent on defying me at every turn since you’ve been at HEAU?”

Something in my mind disconnects, and I stare at him as if he’s a stranger—because who he is now is someone I don’t recognize.

“What happened to you, Dad?” My voice cracks.

Taken aback, he scoffs. “What are you talking about?”

Standing up taller, I open my mouth and speak freely. “I mean, what happened to the man who used to tell me stories and tuck me into bed? Who taught me how to first play piano and ride my bike. What happened to the man who was empathetic and warm?” I pause, my gaze bouncing between his eyes. “Mom wouldn’t like who you’ve become.”

His face melts for a split second, revealing the dad I once knew, but then he’s gone, the shell hardening back up.

My cheek stings like a hot iron scraped across it, and I gasp as realization dawns on me.

“D-did you just slap me?”

His mouth is open, shock stretching his features. “I’m sorry, Alora. That was out of hand.”

He reaches forward, but I step back, and he winces at my withdrawal before standing taller.

My breathing quickens, and my eyes burn. “What do you have against Malik? I really like him.”

“Alora, you can’t believe a word that he says. He’s a manipulator and a liar.”

Running my hand down my face, I exhale. “It’s funny, really, because that’s the exact thing I would say about you.”

Pain lances his expression, and he looks up at me with confusion. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I bite my lip as tears well in my eyes. “But, Dad, I do. I know firsthand how good of a liar you are. I’ve watched you do it my whole life.”

Shaking his head, he sighs. “He’s not good for you.”

“Is it that?” I pause, readying to face the monster inside of him head-on. “Or is it because you’re scared I’ll find out the truth about what you did?”

He glances around us, but I’m not sure what he’s looking for. Wrapping his hand around my wrist, he tugs me hard, leading me through a door into an empty banquet hall.

“Watch your mouth. You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he snaps.

Smirking up at him, I push him closer to his tipping point. “Do you want to bet?”

He snarls, “You’re acting like a brat—you know that? Spoiled and ungrateful for the things I’ve done for you.”

“Ungrateful? For you shipping me off because you didn’t want to parent me anymore once I got diagnosed? Ungrateful that you forced me to keep my piano playing a secret, only practicing in an empty room? That kind of ungrateful?” My blood begins to boil. “Or when you didn’t even show up for my high school graduation? How about when you had someone follow me on campus and then suddenly pretended to be the caring father? It’s far too late for that, Congressman .”

A war brews behind his eyes as he studies me like an enemy, looking for any weakness. But thankfully, he taught me how to hide all my cards well.

“What exactly should I be grateful for?” I snap.

His eyes well up with tears, frustration brimming at the surface. “For pushing you as far away from me as I could manage. For keeping you safe from the world I built.”

“W-what?” I murmur, taken aback.

His eyes fall to the floor. “Do you really want to know the truth? Do you think you can live with the weight? Because there are days that I doubt it for myself.”

My throat tightens, and goose bumps break across my arms. Is there more than just what happened to Micah?

“The things I’ve done to protect the life that you have would haunt you for the rest of it,” he says casually as he brushes my hair off of my shoulder, his jaw twitching. “I’ve sold all of my humanity to the devil to ensure you can keep yours.”

Silence consumes me, my voice nonexistent as shock waves course through me. An ache deep to my soul throbs in my chest at his confession.

In my mind, he was always cut and dry, no room for sympathy, not after what I learned about Micah. But unfortunately, villains aren’t always one-sided. To some characters, they’re not villains at all.

Tears well in my eyes as I look at my dad, the one who used to put me first. His foundation is cracking, the vulnerable man beneath peeking through.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, and I can tell he means it.

A sob shakes free from inside of me, tears rolling down my cheeks. I want to run away, but I also want to freeze time and just stand still.

I want to pretend that none of this is real, that all of this has been a story that he’s telling me as I drift off to sleep in my little princess bed.

Why can’t I just hate him? Why can’t I just write him off and leave him in the dust?

Why did he have to ruin us?

As tears continue to flow down my cheeks, my shoulders rise and fall with the quickness of my breaths.

But I can’t walk away from this. I can’t pretend that he didn’t do horrible and terrible things. It’s not fair to me, to Malik, or to Micah.

So, instead of wrapping my arms around him and accepting his apology, I mutter four words that bring his kingdom to ruin. “I know about Micah.”

The room around us seems to spin as he holds my stare, layer after layer peeling away in his gaze.

Nodding ever so slightly, he takes a shaky inhale. “I assumed as much.”

“Why, Dad? Why would you do that? He was just a kid!” My voice breaks, and he winces, his eyes slamming closed.

“So were you,” he whimpers, tears falling from his lashes.

My throat burns as he opens up, his voice passionate and raw. “ You were a kid. Your mom was gone. It was just us. I couldn’t let that night change everything I had worked so hard to create for you.” He drags his hand down his tear-soaked face. “I came from nothing, Little Rose—nothing. And I couldn’t leave you with the same. You deserved better, and I made damn sure that was exactly what you got.”

Shaking my head in disbelief, I sniffle as he continues, his heart breaking open in front of me as he pours himself out.

“I didn’t send you away because you had gotten diagnosed. I sent you away because I hadn’t wanted you living with a murderer … and that was what I had become. And that was only the beginning of the path I stumbled down.” He quivers. “I couldn’t bear to look at you for a while. To see the innocence in your eyes, the same look that little boy had that night.” His eyes slam shut. “It’s burned into my brain, and no matter how hard I try to scrub it out, it won’t leave.”

Reaching out, he grabs my shoulders and pulls me against him, wrapping me up in his arms and rubbing my back. And for some crazy reason … I let him. Because even though he’s done horrible things, I just want a hug from my dad.

He speaks softly in my ear, emptying the can of worms. “I didn’t want to be away from you ever, Little Rose. I wanted to be by your side for everything. But after that night, the plan changed.” He pauses and sobs, cradling the back of my head with his hand. “I got caught up in it, in the people I surrounded myself with. There are so … so many things I wish I could undo.” He kisses my hair, his voice thick with emotion. “But it’s too late.”

Something inside of me breaks when I hear the truth of my past. Answers to all the questions I piled up over the years, always wondering what I did to make him not want me anymore.

“Alora …” He sobs. ”I’m sorry. I love you so much, baby girl. I only held you at arm’s length to keep you away from the things I did.”

When he squeezes me tighter than ever, I hug him back, clinging to the last honest moment we may ever share. Tears stain his suit, mixing with my makeup, as I fall apart in his arms and him in mine.

“ Dad .”

Rubbing my back, he nods his head in the crook of my neck. “It’s okay, baby. It’s okay. I already know .”

I melt into him, feeling the world start to crumble around me. Brick by brick, the castle walls he surrounded us with start to fall, crashing and disintegrating at our feet.

“It’s okay, Alora. I understand why you did it,” he consoles me as I shout and cry harder than ever into his shoulder.

The door opens behind us, but I can’t move. I can’t step away from him.

How did he know? How did he know? How?

“Daniel Briarwood,” is called out by one of the agents.

“No, no, no, not yet,” I whimper, holding him tighter. “No, please.”

My dad pulls away from me, cupping my cheeks. His face is reddened and streaked with sorrow. He nods slowly, and I shake my head.

“Please don’t go.” My voice is barely audible as it squeaks past my lips. “ Please .”

I know he has to. I know he deserves to. But what about me? What do I deserve? To lose him forever? How is it fair?

How is any of this fair?

“It’s okay,” he whispers, resting his forehead against mine. “It’s okay, Alora. You’ll be okay.”

I shake my head as arms encircle my waist from behind, and I recognize the feeling of his chest against my back as he tries to ease me away from my dad.

But I stand strong.

My dad looks up behind me and sobs. “I’m sorry for what I did. Truly.” Looking back down at me, he exhales, his breath choppy, his face wet with snot and tears. “I love you.”

Pushing away from me, he steps back, putting his hands behind him as the agents step forward and cuff him.

Charging forward, Malik holds me in place, no matter how hard I fight.

“Stop, please.”

“I’ve got you,” he whispers, his voice raw in my ear. “I’m sorry.”

Spinning around, I hit him in the chest. “I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to?—”

He pulls me into him, encasing me in his arms, and he starts to cry with me, clinging to me as tightly as I am to him. “I know, Bug. I know. But I’m right here. I’ve got you. Just take a deep breath with me, okay?”

Footsteps distract me, pulling my attention, but as I try to look, Malik holds my head in place, kissing my hairline.

The footsteps leave the room, and seconds or minutes pass by as our breathing starts to sync and slow.

“Alora?” Malik whispers my name with hesitation as exhaustion starts to weigh on me.

Inching away from him and looking up, I wipe my eyes, feeling the makeup beneath smear.

As he brushes my cheeks with his thumbs, his eyes show nothing but love. “I’m sorry you had to do that.”

“I’m not.” My voice surprises me, firm and confident. “That was the most honest conversation we’ve ever had.”

Leaning down, he kisses my forehead. “Let’s go home, baby.”

Nodding, I slide my hand into his, our fingers interlocking.

We head out of the empty banquet and find my three aunts waiting in the hall.

My aunts look up at us instantly, their faces wet with tears and worry. All three of them walk over to us, but they don’t stop until they wrap their arms around Malik and me.

“You were so brave, Alora. So strong,” Flora murmurs.

Fauna and Freya tell me they love me before releasing me from their tight hugs.

“Where’s Sunny?” I ask, my voice almost unrecognizable to my ears.

“She’s with Phillip, waiting in the car for you guys,” Fauna assures me.

I’m completely drained and mentally foggy. All I want to do is go home and crawl into bed, wrapped in Malik’s arms.

I rest my head on his arm. They look up at him, and have some sort of silent conversation.

“We’re going to be in town for a while, it seems. Call one of us tomorrow, okay?” Fauna asks me, squeezing my hand.

I nod, lifting my lips into a weak smile. “I will.”

Malik bends down and scoops my legs out from under me, cradling me against his chest.

“I can walk,” I whisper, looking up into his bloodshot purple eyes.

He sniffles, then smirks. “I know, but I can also carry you.”

Walking down the hall, he carries me toward the entrance of the event center, and I close my eyes, suddenly so exhausted from everything that just happened.

This was the biggest stressor I might have ever had, and I know I’m probably going to spend the next few days lying in bed. But it won’t be so bad with Malik and Sunny at my side.

My stomach twists with nausea, and I take a few deep breaths.

Malik somehow knew that it was my adrenaline saying that I was fine to walk. I’m drained.

Mentally, physically, I have nothing left to give.