Page 114 of Score on You

A loud bang on the door startles both of us. Walter wakes from his snooze at my feet and rushes to greet the visitor. His happy bark pairs with the scratching on the wood to announce his impatience.

As usual, I’m more leery as I turn to the entryway. My brow furrows, wondering why Ridge would bother to knock. Then it occurs to me that he’s probably being respectful of my mother’s privacy. He’s considerate like that.

I go to let him in, only to immediately regret that decision. My feet are quick to backpedal away from the threat. Walter whimpers and slinks off to find shelter from the approaching danger. Lucky pup. I wish I could do the same.

Instead, I’m forced to confront my past. “Father.”

The man who took the liberty of ruining my youth darkens the stoop. “Calliope.” His upper lip curls in a sneer as he enters without permission. “I’ve come for my wife.”

My mother gasps from where she remains seated on the couch. Father’s glare narrows in on her before I can blink. I sidestep to block his view of her.

“She’s staying here.” I hate the tremble in my voice.

Thunder booms in his expression. “Get out of my way, child.”

“No,” I blurt.

My father goes still. “What did you say?”

“I said no,” I repeat. “Mother left for a reason. She wants a new life, one that doesn’t include you.”

“You dare speak to me this way?”

The urge to cower knocks my knees together. There’s a painful knot forming in my stomach that makes it difficult to breathe. But then a voice whispers to remind me that I’m not this tortured girl anymore. He can’t intimidate me unless I allow it. I’m in control.

My posture straightens from under his mean intentions and bully mentality. “You’re not welcome in my home. Please leave.”

“How bold you’ve become while living in sin.” His chuckle is cruel, a wicked sound meant to deliver fear. “Where’s yourboyfriendto defend these actions? He left you alone.”

For a split second, I fear my father did something to Ridge. Then I remember who my boyfriend is and what he’s capable of.

Father takes my silence as surrender. “I can’t believe you’d expose your mother to such depravity. Shame on you, Calliope.”

“Shame on me? You’re the shameful one. Look what you did to her.” I boldly point at the marks on Mother’s skin.

“You’ve forgotten your place since leaving the compound, daughter. Allow me to remind you.” Father raises his arm as if to backhand me.

“I fucking dare you.” The voice is more menacing than my father’s could ever be.

But such contempt hasn’t sounded like a morally gray knight storming the castle to save the day. Until now.

The scene I step into freezes my blood. Callie’s father is seconds away from slapping her across the face. Had I arrived a moment later, she’d be battered and bruised.

It’s a damn good thing I followed the gut instinct that urged me to check in over here. Something didn’t feel quite right. Now I know it’s this piece of shit stinking up the place.

The man whirls to face me after my blatant interruption. “Well, look who decided to join us. You must be the boyfriend.”

“Damn straight, and that makes me your worst nightmare. I’d suggest you get the fuck out before I break your ability to do so.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Depends on your response,” I drawl.

He widens his stance, as if that will make him appear like an adequate opponent. It’s pathetic.

“This is a family matter. It doesn’t involve you.”He has the courage to point at me.

I almost laugh in his face. “Nah, you’re the intruder in this situation. That woman you’re disrespecting is my whole world. I’ll be damned if I’m gonna stand back while you try to make her feel less than. That goes for her mama too. The way I see it, you owe them both an apology.”

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