Page 76 of Precious Legacy

I swallow heavily, blinking back at him.Surely he can’t be serious?After our last interaction, there’s no way Dad will want to hearmy side, and I don’t know if he’s even ready to hear it. I don’t know ifI’mready to say it.

I glance at Roman, who gazes back at me with encouragement. It’d be so easy to explain to Dad my true motivations for wanting to join the police. Then again, the fact I can’t even bring myself to talk about the most traumatic moment of my life proves just how much I’ve tried to forget about it. Telling my father would end one of two ways; I’d fall apart like I did in Roman’s arms when I told him the truth, or my dad would go into a long speech about tearing the guy limb from limb until there’s nothing left. And I’m certain he’d be the one to do it. Since our family doesn’t follow rules or what’s morally right, I’m opting for the latter. Our true motivations areviolent revenge, regardless of what society dictates. My joining the police won’t change that.

“Maybe you don’t have to tell him everything,” Roman suggests, coming to stand beside me and wrapping a comforting arm around my shoulder. “Tell him what you’re comfortable telling him.”

I peer into his gorgeous blue eyes, those flawless pools sucking me in like they always do. His softness speaks to a part of me I’d long forgotten about. I’ve been so caught up in my hate and the constant push and pull between us that his gentle approach not only throws me off kilter, it makes my heart pound harder. My throat feels dry, heat crawling up my spine. I’d give anything just to dive back into bed with him and let him soothe my worries away, but that’s not how today is going to pan out.

It isn’t until my brother clears his throat that I remember we’re not alone. Thankfully, he doesn’t question the vague conversation between Roman and I, because he isn’t ready for those details.

Giving my brother one more glare, I admit defeat and head back to my room. I take my time getting a shower in before dressing somewhat presentable for this meeting with my father. Even though it’s just lunch, I’m not going to give my dad more ammunition to pick me apart, so I opt for jeans and a tank top, throwing on my favorite leather jacket like it’s armor. My brother is right; this is my opportunity to explaineverything.Whether I’m ready to spill what happened five years ago is another thing.

Once I’m dressed, I head back into the living room, where Roman and Varo are discussing their next fight night. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I wait for them to finish their conversation, which takes a whole five minutes before my brother is dragging me out the front door.

“You do realize that Dad made it clear I’m no longer part of this family, right?” I tell him as we head towards his Mercedes.

He rolls his eyes before sliding into the driver’s seat. “In case you forgot, I’m the one leading this family now, not him.”

I’m mid buckle when his words register with me. When they do, my mouth gapes, because my brother just played the only card that will get my dad to listen. “You really think he wants to see me?”

“I don’t know about that,” he smirks, pulling away from the curb. “But I did convince him to hear you out, so… you know… don’t go charging in there like a raging bull.”

“Are you calling me a bull?” I gasp in mock surprise, slapping his arm with the back of my hand.

He chuckles in response, shaking his head and letting his black strands fall over his face. “More like a cow,” he teases.

I wish I could feign shock again, but this is our banter, this is how Varo lets me know we’re cool and he’s on my side. When we’re like this, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have him in my life. Not many twins get along, and sure, we have our moments, but we always look out for one another.

I let my laughter fill the car as we navigate towards Brooklyn, to my impending doom, while my brother drones on about the conversation he had with our father. “All I’m saying is, dad’s not a bad guy, you know.”

I can’t help but raise my brows at my brother. There’s no way we’re talking about the same person here, because my dad has done nothing but attempt to bubble wrap my life. He’s never given me the chance to show him I’m my own person. He’s been so focused on “protecting” me that he’s never seen how strong I am. Which is why I’ve been so defiant, determined to prove myself to him.

“Okay, okay!” Varo concedes with a smile. “He’s just looking out for you.”

“Yeah?” I sigh, folding my arms and watching the boring brick buildings pass us by. “Well… he’s got a funny way of showing it.”

“I know. We all have our quirks, though.” He continues driving us back home with the radio blasting Chase & Status’ latest album.

We bop our heads together, every so often belting out the lyrics to our favorite parts. There’s no tension between us, just light-hearted conversation and jokes. I don’t mention Milo and he doesn’t mention Dad. For a while, the nerves over seeing my parents calm down. Knowing I’ve got Varo to back me up is the only support I need.

That feeling dissipates as soon as we pull up outside our childhood home, my skin prickling as a chill takes over. I stare at the building like it’s a death sentence. I know I’m being dramatic, but when you have a father like mine, it kind of goes without saying that the outcome of today is unknown.

“It’s going to be fine,” Varo reassures me, though now I’m studying the large black door, I don’t feel so calm.

In between the random conversations me and my brother had on the way here, I thought about what I would say to Dad. I considered how I’d tell him about Ashton, because that’s the ultimate motivation for me. But I can picture Dad’s face, red and angry, like he’s about to pass out. Very few things make my Dad react like he did the other week, but I’m certainthiswould tip him over the edge.

“I…” I inhale sharply. “I don’t know if I can do it.” I admit, casting my eyes to the ground as I step out of the car.

Taking my hand, my brother wraps me in a hug and rocks me gently. “You can,” he replies with conviction. “And you will, Alanis, because you’re a badass. You don’t realize that the reason you and dad clash is because of how similar you guysare. You’re both stubborn. You both want the best for the family while also wanting the best for yourselves.”

“What do you suggest then, oh wise one?” I snort, still clutching onto him like a lifeline.

“Talk to him like you’d want him to talk to you.”

Just like that, my nerves ebb away. I still feel uneasy about what I’m about to walk into, but my twin’s comfort definitely helps. His calm becomes my calm, and as I pull away and look into his eyes, I see what he isn’t saying.

“You prepared to pick up the pieces?” I ask warily.

He shoves his hand in my face and pushes me away playfully. “I’ve got the glue ready,” he laughs.

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