Page 106 of Idaho

"You have no right to interfere in our business," Father repeated. He wasn't used to people just ignoring his commands.

"She's family," Cynic said in a matter of fact tone. "That makes her our business."

I put my hand in his. This was what it had come down to. My father had forced me to choose and I was picking Idaho, and by extension, these men.

"Eva," Mother said, sounding shocked. "You can't do this."

I looked at her over my shoulder and frowned at the worry there on her face. "It's my choice, Mama." My gaze darted over to Father. "I suggest you let me go."

He looked torn. Torque stepped forward and instead of the warm look he'd given me, he was now all menace and anger. "You heard the lady. Fucking let her go." His fists clenched at his sides as he stared my father down.

"Do you know who I am?" Father asked, still holding on to me. It was like he and Cynic were going to start tugging on me any moment. I was hoping they wouldn't because I wasn't that flexible.

"You're the man holding Idaho's old lady, which makes you the enemy," Cynic replied. He released my hand and reached under his coat.

"Cynic."

We all turned and I sucked in a breath as I watched Idaho, Toxic, and Static walk in through the side door. Butcher wasn't with them, even though he'd left earlier as well.

"Thank you," Idaho told Cynic and Torque, putting a hand on Torque's shoulder and squeezing. "Let's go speak upstairs," he told the group.

"My family isn't going anywhere with you," Father said. "We're leaving. Now." He paused when Idaho passed something to him. Staring down at whatever was in his hand in horror, he shook his head. "What-"

"That's all that's left of the man who tried to have your daughter kidnapped. Twice." Idaho and Father locked gazes. "We need to speak. But I won't do it here. Upstairs. Your family can come."

I stared at him in shock as he turned and started walking away. My father looked like he'd just been hit over the head with a bat. He was still staring down at what Idaho had given him. Taking the opportunity to break out of my father's loosened grip, I hurried after Idaho and the others. My sisters and their husbands followed me, leaving Mother, Father, and Charlie to follow.

"What did you give him?" I asked when I reached Idaho's side.

He glanced down at me, then back up at the stairs ahead of us. "His cousin's thumb."

My mouth dropped open and I stopped on the stairs. "What?" I whispered.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "I'll explain everything later, Duchess. But for now, we need to break your father's hold on you. I'm not putting up with his shit anymore."

I stared up at him in shock as he led me upstairs. Allowing him to pull me along with him, I thought about what that would be like. To be free of Father's orders once and for all. I'd been following his commands my whole life and I was finished. I wanted to make my own decisions. Live my own life. Be with Idaho without my father's constant disapproval.

By the time Idaho led us into an office on the third floor and Static shut the door behind us, Father had composed himself once more.

Cynic grabbed my arm, maneuvering me away from Idaho and Father, while he and Torque took up positions on either side of me like they were my own personal bodyguards. Before Idaho could say anything the door was flung open and Thomas and a few of the others stalked in. They'd been downstairs, stationed around the room, watching for threats and must have seen us go upstairs and followed.

"If your security is staying, so is mine," Father said.

Idaho shrugged as he sat behind the desk and motioned for Father to sit. "That's fine."

The rest of us remained standing. Amelia shot me a worried smile. I returned it, trying to silently tell them not to worry.

"Your family is free to leave anytime," Idaho said. "But Eva will be staying here."

Father shook his head. "I don't think you understand what you're up against here, Mr. Sharpe."

"Oh, I do," Idaho replied with a nod. He leaned back in the chair and studied my father intently. "Krier found that out tonight." He narrowed his eyes. "As will anyone who tries to fuck with her. You've been in charge of protecting her...up until now. It's time for you to pass that responsibility on. Otherwise it will be taken from you."

"You can't-"

"Enough," Idaho said, stopping Father mid-sentence.

Father had done the same to us so many times over the years, it shocked me to see someone doing it to him. "Your daughter has chosen me." They both looked over at me and I nodded in agreement. "If she wanted to go home with you..." His jaw flexed. "I'd personally escort all of you to your jet." He was staring at Father once more. "I can see that you love her. I can understand why you've had to be strict, being who you are, danger always surrounding you. But let me ask you this. Do you want to lose your daughter?"

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