Page 80 of Bend (Bend & Break Duet 1)

The note fluttered from my hands. Slowly, I backed away from the poisonous arrangement.

Forgive him?

Was he insane? If he thought I was going anywhere near him again, he should be committed.

“Your father wants to see you. He’s in his office now.”

He was crazy too.

It had taken me over half a day to come to the office. I’d needed to do it. For me. But I wasn’t prepared to face Father.

There were so many things I wanted to say. But I couldn’t until I decided what I was going to do. I’d worked so hard to build this company. I’d given it so much that it felt like a part of me.

Itwasa part of me.

But last night was an earthquake. The shake I’d needed to wake me up from my zombie state.

I could spout off to Father and lose everything important to me. Or I could take a deep breath and think.

Because I’d had an epiphany when Garrett had been out shopping for me. Something that could actually change the whole trajectory of my life. Our lives.

If Lincoln and I worked together, we could get rid of Samuel Hollingsworth and be free to run this company as we pleased without his iron fist. It might just be possible—

“My office, sweetheart. We have much to discuss.”

My stomach knotted. So much for avoidance and deep breaths.

How could he act so controlled, like I was important to him? It only happened in front of other people. And I was so sick of the charade.

“I’m going to view property with Lincoln.” I didn’t want to be pleasant, but I forced the false cheer into my words and expression.

“This won’t take long.” He was playing the game too. “Wasn’t it thoughtful of Alex to send such a beautiful arrangement?” He flicked his gaze to my feet. “You dropped your card.”

I made no move to pick it up. The message had burned me once. I wasn’t fool enough to let it happen twice.

“I’ll speak to you later.” It was a lie. If I had my preference, I’d never talk to my father again.

“I’ll come with you. We can share your happy news with your brother.”

Bastard.

He knew damn well I didn’t want Lincoln or Teague or anyone to know about his master plan to marry me off to Alex Davenport.

Instead of heading toward Lincoln, I caved and moved toward my father’s cavernous office. He truly was the king of the city on a magnificent throne.

Father closed the doors and made a production of sitting in his chair. He produced my purse and laid it on his desk.

The object was a glaring reminder of the terror of the night and my failure to fight. I didn’t want to touch it, but I picked it up.

“I’ve spoken to Alex. He understands what he can and cannot do now.”

My nostrils flared. The deep breath wouldn’t come. Red hot anger surged over as my jaw throbbed.

“What? He can manhandle me as long as there is no physical evidence?” I gripped the back of the chair I stood behind.

A cool stare was all I got in return. Not a single emotion carved his features.

“A quick temper never gets you what you want.”

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