Page 155 of Manacled Hearts

I drop my gaze, chewing on my lips, and nod. There’s plenty of anger and confusion inside of me, but his explanation almost urges me to apologize. Almost.

Turning, I smile once more at the sight of my father and sister beaming as they laugh together, and head over to them. But before I can join them, I halt, and whip back around.

“Stay.”

The word spills from my lips like a plea. He answers with the sight of that stunning dimple on his cheek, and a slight nod. I can’t deny it, he did make me happy. Devastatingly so because I missed my father more than I allowed him or Maya to know.

“My sweet Evie.”

“Daddy,” I say, pulling a chair next to his and leaning to press a peck to his cheek.

“How about we go for a walk on these beautiful grounds? I have yet to see them.”

“Let’s go then.”

* * *

Apart from Maya’s humming in the back seat, the whole ride to Mamaw June’s house, to drop her off, was spent in silence.

Now, as he drives us back to his penthouse, the tension in the car is thicker, charged with unspoken words. I hope we’re not making a habit of this, though I was purposefully keeping my mouth shut, so I didn’t go off at him for crossing this line.

Only, my heart is full after spending all those hours with our dad. We had lunch there, went out to buy him a few things, like clothes, toiletries, and others, since I could barely afford more than thrift-store stuff before. He woke up from his nap and we spent even more time with him until the sun was setting and we could tell that it was becoming a bit too much for him. When the confusion started to hit, we decided it was best to let him rest.

Most of the car ride I spent thinking of when I’ll visit him next, instead of being angry at Finn. Because I can do that now, I can see him whenever I want. And he’s safe. Happy.

I’m still mad at my boyfriend, but I think I’m wishing the sentiment more than actually feeling it, because I think I have to. I should be furious. But the man did all of this for me and my sister. He talked to my father’s main caretaker, a woman he knew I trusted, paid off god knows how many people to falsify documents, organized a private plane, and brought my father to one of the leading care homes in the whole country. All at his expense, without even batting an eyelid.

“Come on. Lay it on me. I can’t take the damn silence anymore.” He huffs, squeezing the steering wheel in his fist as we drive out of the forest road and back into civilization.

I take one deep breath, sifting through all the thoughts and questions I have. But after spending all this time with my dad, some of them don’t seem as important anymore. One in particular does weigh on me, though.

“Do you think that by bringing my father here you’re going to sway me to decide to stay?”

“No.”

“Bullshit,” I call out immediately. “You’re trying to convince me to stay.”

“I definitely want you to stay, Evelyn, but it’s not why I brought your father. I wanted to eliminate that worry for you. Now that he’s here you can focus on what you want for yourself. For Maya. Whether it’s work, saving money, baking, or just enjoying yourself, you can do it without missing your father, or worrying about being able to pay for his care.”

“You’re saying all the right words, Finnigan, but I’m struggling to accept that there are no strings to this. That you’re not forcing my hand to stay here.”

Realistically, if this is what he was doing, he wouldn’t admit it just because I asked. So this is futile. But I can’t help but wonder if this gesture is going to sway my decision, regardless. Christ, I’m not even sure a decision was ever necessary. I think I’ve been governed by fear and lack of options. More and more I feel like there is a world of possibilities here, and it’s all due to this man. His Sanctum, too.

But it’s him who keeps my soul alive and my heart full.

Him who I want to wake up next to every morning and see each night before I drift off back to sleep.

It’s him who I want to share my dreams with and the craziness of raising my little sister.

I want this man by my side.

I want to be his. But most of all, I want him to be mine.

All mine.

After a slow, deep breath, he finally answers, “The spot at the old care home in Fleeton is still reserved for your father. Until you make your decision, it will stay his. So if you wish to return there, he can also return with you without issues. Jackie too, of course.”

“Oh, that’s…” I trail off.

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