Page 103 of Love at Second Down

Pushing the thought aside, I cross my arms over my chest. “Damon’s room is on the first floor,” I say, hoping this is some kind of mistake, even though I know it’s not. It’s no coincidence he’s wound up at my door.

“I didn’t come to talk to Damon.”

My stomach clenches like a fist as alarm bells ring in my head. Suddenly, everything my parents said comes rushing back to me.

I fidget nervously in the entryway, heart racing with the possibilities. What if he makes a scene? What if Damon finds him here?

I can slam the door in his face. Shut him out. Call security.

But what if this is my only chance to find out the truth of what happened two and a half years ago?

I hesitate, my hand gripping the doorframe as I weigh up my options. My mind wants him to go, but my heart wants him to stay so I can get answers.

I step aside, motioning for him to follow. “Damon and I are supposed to meet for breakfast soon and my roommates are sleeping. If this isn’t something you want others to hear, I suggest you make it quick.”

Vinny ignores me and saunters past, his eyes widening as he takes in the spacious living area, plush furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city before he lets out a low whistle.

“Well, well,” he drawls, turning in a slow circle. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, should I? An Astor can’t possibly stay in a regular room like the rest of us common folk. Must be nice having Daddy’s credit card to fall back on.”

I bristle at his words, uncomfortable with the truth in them. “I tried to book a regular room,” I say, my tone defensive, “but it’s an Astor Group Hotel, and they were fully booked. As soon as they knew who I was, they insisted on upgrading me.”

“Of course they did. Bet you didn’t fight them too hard, either,” he says with a dismissive wave. “Special accommodations for a special girl, I guess.”

He’s baiting me. I always sensed Vinny had a problem with my family’s money, but now he’s just confirmed it.

Or maybe it’s just me he has a problem with.

“What do you want, Vinny?” I ask, too tired for games.

He looks at me for a moment, those blue eyes staring into mine with unmatched intensity. “I want you to break up with my son.”

I flinch as the air leaves my lungs. “I can’t do that,” I say with a shake of my head.

“You can.” Vinny shoves his hands in his pockets. “And you will.”

The blood drains from my face as I search for words, something to say to the father of the man I love. “Why?” I finally ask, even though I already know why. I just don’t want to admit it.

“It’s quite simple,” he says, picking a brass clock off the counter and examining it before putting it back down. “I love my son, and I’ll do anything, and I mean anything, to ensure he reaches his dreams.” He lifts his gaze, eyes meeting mine.

“And he can’t reach them while he’s with me?”

He shrugs, letting his silence speak for him.

“I won’t do it, not again. It would break his heart.”

“Heartbreak is temporary,” he says with the flap of his hand.

I stare at him for a moment, wondering how he can be so cruel. Wondering if he truly believes that, if his heartbreak when Damon’s mother left him with a baby to raise on his own was temporary.

I shake my head, not wanting to hear any more. “If Damon knew you were here, if he knew what you were asking me—”

“He doesn’t and he won’t.” Vinny cocks his head, assessing. “Because you won’t tell him.”

“I will.” My jaw hardens along with my resolve.

“If you do, I’ll destroy you, and your family.”

I take a step back, my chest tight. “You won’t.”

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