Page 71 of His Red Carnation

“Hi, Dad. It’s nice to see you too. Me? Oh, I’m fine,” I muttered out sarcastically.

“Sloane, stop. Where is he?” He didn’t wait for my answer as he pushed the door wide open to find Callan walking up to him, his expression mirroring my dad’s.

My chest tightened as I watched them approach each other.

“He’s not going anywhere, Dad. If you make him leave, I’m leaving too,” I said before either of them got a word in.

Callan stood firmly and silently beside me as my dad glared at him, his jaw tight, as if I wasn’t even there.

“You’re not staying under my roof,” Dad said through clenched teeth.

I rolled my eyes. “The White House is federal property of the United States govern—”

“Sloane, you know what I mean. Don’t get smart with me,” Dad quipped back.

”Okay, I’m leaving then.” I turned around and headed for my purse, but then I heard Mom’s voice.

“Nadie va a ningún lado,” she yelled as I turned and saw her appear in the doorway. “Sloane and Callan stay, Jacob. She’s your daughter—and he’s family, whether you’ll admit it or not.”

Dad sighed heavily and turned around, taking Mom’s shoulder and moving into the hallway.

I could hear them arguing but I didn’t bother to listen in. I glanced at Callan and his expression was somber, but he gave me a small, reassuring smile as he took my hand.

“Maybe itisbetter that I leave, baby. Jake has every right to kick me outta here,” he said quietly, squeezing my hand lightly.

Tears welled in my eyes instantly. “No. You’re not leaving. You’re staying, or I’m going with you,” I demanded.

He sighed as his jaw clenched. I could tell he wanted to argue, but all he said was, “Okay, baby. We’re staying together.”

The arguing outside the door stopped and Dad walked in quickly, as if he’d catch us doing something.

“Once we figure this out, you’re out of here, Callan. I’m doing this to protect my stubborn daughter, otherwise I’d fucking kick you out myself,” he spit out as he pointed his finger at him.

“Don’t worry, Dad,” I snapped. “Once we figure this out, you won’t have to see either of us again.”

My heart sank when my dad’s expression shifted from anger to utter devastation. To my surprise, he didn’t say a word—he just shot a quick glance between me and Callan before angrily storming off. I watched as my mom followed him down the hallway.

“I fucking hate that this is straining your relationship with Jake,” Callan said, placing his hand on my cheek. His eyes were wide with worry.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I leaned into his touch. “It’s not your fault, Callan. It’s his,” I said after a moment. “He should be happy that you love me so much and want to protect me. All he cares about is keeping me away from you, no matter how much it hurts me,” I finished, my voice cracking. “But he doesn’t understand, Callan. He doesn’t understand how much I need you.”

He didn’t say a word; instead, he pulled me close and wrapped his arms tightly around me.

“I need you too, baby. I need you so fuckin’ much,” he whispered into my ear as he stroked my hair.

As I melted into his embrace, the warmth of his arms around me felt like the only thing keeping me grounded. It wasn’t just love—it was something deeper, a connection so intense it wasalmost unbearable. He was my safe haven…and my anchor in the storm that had become my life.

* * *

Callan and I locked ourselves in the room for the rest of the night. It was late as we cuddled in bed, watching Netflix, and I nuzzled my face into his chest. He hummed deeply, as if my touch ignited something in him, and he grabbed my hips, guiding me to straddle him. I felt his erection growing beneath me, and as I stared into his eyes, I began to grind my hips against him. A lustful smile appeared on his lips.

“You think this is a good idea? I think Jake is one step away from fucking murdering me in plain sight,” he joked, but his hands gripped my hips firmly.

I shook my head. “Don’t think. Just fuck me,” I exhaled softly.

He smiled wider before he lifted me up and pushed me down onto the bed, face first. I giggled excitedly as he eagerly pulled my jeans down and threw them on the floor, and I glanced back as he began to pull his zipper down.

“Better be quiet, baby. Let’s see how hard I can pound you before you scream into that pillow,” he muttered quietly before he thrust his hard cock into me.

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