I find myself giggling as Travis loosens the belt from around my wrists and pulls me back until I’m sitting on his lap as he holds me against his chest.
“What’s so funny, Sweetheart?” he asks, holding me tight. I snuggle against his tight-fitted t-shirt and smile happily.
“My Daddy just fucked me against my father’s desk,” I point out as Travis bursts out laughing.
“That thought crossed my mind as well.” He lifts one of my hands and runs a thumb over my wrist before pressing a kiss to it. “Did I hurt you?”
I shake my head and look at him, smiling.
“No, I would have told you if you had,” I inform him. He looks at me for a moment before nodding once and checking my other wrist. “Do you feel better now?” I ask, going back to leaning against his chest.
“I always feel better when you’re around, Sweetheart. You have no idea how happy you make me,” he whispers into my hair as he kisses my head.
“Because of the sex or me?” I mean it as a joke, but Travis repositions me on his lap so I can see him. His eyes seem darker and more serious than they were a moment ago.
“You, Sweetheart, always you. Never think I’m with you for the sex because I would happily go without it for as long as it took you to realise I’m with you for who you are.” Travis leans in and kisses me whilst wrapping my hair around his hand. He gives it a tug, which forces my head back so he can look into my eyes. “If you believe one thing I tell you, ensure it’s that. Understand?”
I nod slightly as he watches me carefully to see if I’m lying to him. When he seems content, he kisses me as he stands, lifting me into his arms and walking from the office.
“Where are you taking me?” I giggle as he carries me through the house, towards the stairs.
“There is a huge bath in our parent’s room. I’m dying to try it out with you.”
36
Travis
I don’t think I will ever tire of watching our girl dance. She is breathtakingly beautiful and stands out from all the other dancers. I may be biased, but I believe she is the most talented on that stage.
“I swear her head was held higher tonight than last night,” Ryan says next to me as we make our way to the foyer.
“She knew we were watching and pulled out all the stops,” I reply.
“She was the most beautiful on that stage, that’s for sure,” Ethan adds behind me as we walk past the stairs that lead to the top boxes.
“Not as beautiful as our Jasmine.”
We all turn around to find the four O’Reillys standing on the stairs. Of course, Christian is in the front in his pristine suit and perfect hair.
“O’Reilly,” I say with a nod.
“Donavon.”
We stare at each other momentarily, and a deadly silence surrounds us.
“Guys, not here. Think of the girls,” Ethan warns next to me. I don’t say anything as I take a step forward and hold out my hand. Christian looks at it for a moment before shaking it.
“Thank fuck for that,” Jason sighs as Christian smirks at me. I don’t forgive him, not completely, but I do believe he isn’t to blame for my father’s death. I think I’ve known that for a while now.
“Is everything okay after our chat the other day?” Christian asks as he walks beside me. I shove my hands into my suit pockets and nod.
“As good as they can be after all she has endured.”
“I’m sure you all will have her back to the old Verity soon.”
We stop at the far end of the foyer as we wait for the girls together.
“I’m hoping she will become the real Verity rather than the one who has been conditioned by a toxic parent.” When I turn to face Christian, I find him looking into the distance nodding his head slowly.