Page 60 of Judge

I stare at him for a long moment. I see his point but won’t admit that to him. If it hadn’t been for Indie distracting me, I’m not sure how things would’ve played out.

“My personal life is none of your business.”

“Oh, it’s my business alright, especially when the woman you take to your bed tarnishes our good name.” He stands from his seat and straightens his jacket like the conversation is over and he’s readying his leave.

I stand also, balling my fist at my sides. If he wasn’t my father, he’d be flat on his ass for speaking to me like that.

“You know nothing about Indie; you know nothing about the kind of woman she is.”

“Good!” He glares back at me, the fire in his eyes mirroring mine. “I don’t plan on it either, and if you know what's good for you, or better yet, good for her, you’ll end it now. This is your duty, and Georgina has been very patient with you. Enough is enough. Get it done. I will not be made a fool of. Have I made myself clear?”

I’m so pissed, so disgusted with my father. His threats revolt in my stomach. I‘m too angry to engage further with him. I actually fear what I will do to him if he stays, so I chose to make him believe that this discussion is over, and he has won. However, the internal struggle very much remains.

“Perfectly.” I scowl at him.

“Good. Then get it done.” He strides out of my office and slams the door behind him.

My life is not my fucking own. Sure, I have had a good life. Surrounded by luxuries most people could not even dream of. But does it really make me happy? I know without a doubt that I am happiest when I am with Indie. How am I to sacrifice that, sacrifice her? Something sickening forms in the pit of my stomach. If I don’t do what my father is demanding and end things with Indie, I’m not certain he won’t do exactly that for me.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Indie

RELIEF WASHES OVER ME as Austin’s swollen eyes blink and then flutter open, struggling to adjust to the light in the room.

“Austin,” I say softly to him with tears well in my eyes. “Austin.”

His eyes focus on me as he tears at his oxygen mask, pulling the tubes from his nose. “Boogers.”

I laugh while the tears stream uncontrollably down my face. He smiles and then winces. “You probably shouldn’t do that. You’ve had surgery and are in pretty bad shape.”

“You don’t say,” he says, examining the tubes coming from his arm.

“Do you remember what happened to you?”

He looks at me for a long moment, the swelling in his eyes has subsided, but I'm not too certain of the extent of his vision.

Slowly, he nods and then looks away. “How long have I been out?”

“Six days.”

“Then why do I feel so tired?”

I smile, shaking my head. “Ever the joker, aren’t you?”

“Meh.” He shrugs and then winces again.

“You suffered a really bad head injury, and a few stab wounds also. I’d say that would make anyone tired.”

“I guess now I have the perfect excuse when I do dumb shit then.”

“This wasn’t your fault, Austin. Those boys.” I pause, thinking about what grave they might lie in now and starting to rot in.

“When they find out I’ve survived, they’ll come back for me.”

“Those boys will never hurt you again. I promise.” I feel my blood pressure starting to rise at the sheer mention of them.

“You can’t promise that.”

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