Page 104 of Rebellious

“I thought you ordered pizza?” I ask, looking at the spread of sushi and sashimi on the island.

His lips flatten and he flashes me a bored look. “Like I was going to order carbs for the boy who was seconds away from going into a diabetic coma.”

I pull out a stool and sit. “I wasn’tthathyperglycemic,” I argue.

“And I’m notthatmuch of an asshole.” He shrugs. “Ask me your real question, Bennett. Hurry, before your father gets here and ruins the fun.”

I groan. “You called Dad?”

He nods, shoving a whole California roll into his mouth. “Of course, I’m hoping he and Breck will be so worried that they’ll sleep here tonight, and I’ll have the entire foundation to fuck my wife out in the open.

This time the groan is deeper. “How long do we have?”

Theo shrugs. “I don’t know. Depends on how fast he drives.”

“Did you tell him I was dying?” I wouldn’t put it past him.

He waves me off. “Of course not. I told him you were barricaded in the bathroom, crying for your mama.”

I laugh. “Of course you did.”

He nods, unaffected. “So, I repeat, ask me your question.”

This is not the way I ever envisioned talking to Theo about Aspen and my father. I don’t know what I thought the best atmosphere would be, but not this. Not at my kitchen island, sushi between us, after he stood over me and ensured I gave myself a shot for the first time.

“Aspen,” I start off, inhaling a deep breath. Here goes nothing. “I love her, sir.”

He doesn’t stop chewing. “Ask me something, Bennett. You loving her hasn’t been a secret since you were two days old.”

Something like shock steals my breath. “You knew I loved her?”

He nods. “The question has always been why you did nothing about it.”

I rear back. “I thought you’d be angry,” I confess.

He chews and swallows. “Definitely. Still not seeing why you didn’t make a move.”

I’m confused. “I thought you would be mad at my father.” I swallow, my throat working as I finally confess why I can’t love his daughter like she deserves.

“I’m always mad at your father about something.” He smirks. “It’s a game he likes to play. How much can he get on my nerves before I explode?”

“I’m serious,” I tell him.

“Me too.” He points to my food. “Eat.”

I take a bite and swallow. “Sir, I love your daughter, but you’re my father’s lifeline.”

Theo cuts me a look. “Bennett, your father has many lifelines. Just because I’m prettier than the others, does not make me his favorite.”

I sigh. “Uncle Theo,” I try appealing to his familial side. “You know what I mean. He can’t lose you. My family can’t lose you.”

Slamming his napkin down, he levels me with a stern look. “Let me tell you something, Bennett. I’ve known my daughter loved you when you were only thirty minutes old. Every day, I watched as she grew older and walked from my arms to yours.”

He takes a breath, running his hands through his hair. “I’d love nothing more than to keep her my little girl the rest of her life, but that won’t happen. But one thing I want more than anything is for Aspen to be happy. And unfortunately, Jameson, you’re that happy.” He shrugs. “Orwerethat happy. You fucked up pretty good this time.”

I shake my head and attempt to ignore his last sentence. “But what if something happens?”

His eyebrows go up.

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