Page 48 of Broken Rivalry

He doesn’t respond to my sarcasm, simply waiting for my agreement. And though it kills a part of me to play into his hands, I do it anyway because keeping Poppy safe from him is all that matters.

“Alright, Dad. I’ll take her to the cabin.”

The line goes dead, and I’m left standing there, phone in hand, with a mix of anger and determination simmering within me. I won’t let him hurt her, I vow silently. No matter what lies I have to tell.

And as I slide into the driver’s seat, my resolve hardens. I will protect Poppy, even if it means playing the villain in my father’s twisted game. But how do you protect someone from a threat they don’t know exists? How do I keep her safe without revealing the truth?

I grip the steering wheel, my mind racing between Poppy’s tender smiles and my father’s cold demands. It’s like I’m stuck between two worlds. One where genuine happiness could exist—that’s Poppy’s world. And then there’s the other, dark and twisted by manipulation and control—that’s my father’s domain.

Poppy’s already been through hell because of my father and our name. He didn’t have to ruin them; it was only a sick game to him. But I won’t let him win this round. Seeing her, being with her, it’s a gut punch every time I think about my initial mission here. I’ll fix my father’s wrongs, even if it means becoming a bit of a villain in her eyes and hiding the truth from her, only for a bit. I’ll shield her from my father’s chaos, no matter what.

My first move is to secure her family’s situation, extracting their fate from my father’s sphere of power. It begins with getting them out of that trailer park.

Chapter 17

Poppy

The scent of freshly baked pizza wafts around me, a comforting familiarity amid the whirlwind of emotions that have become my constant companions. A part of me still hums, alive and tingling from the night with Ethan and the mind-blowing orgasm he gave me. Flashes of his naked body and the feel of his lips on my flesh flicker through my mind, a secret smile playing on my lips as I navigate through the pizzeria.

A pang of loneliness echoes through me as I remember waking up alone, the sheets beside me cold. But regret? Not even a little. Ethan gave me a night of passion, of connection, something I hadn’t realized I’d been craving until it was right there, offered on a silver platter.

My phone vibrates in my apron pocket, jolting me back to reality.

Last night was amazing. I didn’t want to leave, but I had practice. Have dinner with me tomorrow night, please.

My stomach flips with excitement, but it’s quickly dampened by a nagging guilt. I’m not doing anything wrong, am I? But if that’s true, why haven’t I told my mom about Ethan?

Memories flood back, reminding me of the pain his family caused mine. My mom. Struggling to keep us afloat, her eyes embodying determination laced with despair. It’s a stark contrast to the fluttering in my chest when I think of Ethan. My heart insists this is right, that Ethan isn’t his family. But my mind, ever the protector, urges caution.

I shake my head, trying to dispel the memories and focus on the here and now. On Ethan and the way he makes me feel. Alive. Wanted. Seen. And for now, that’s enough.

I would love to. See you tomorrow.

I send the text, my heart fluttering, and then slide the phone into my pocket, trying to keep my mind on the pizza dough beneath my fingers instead of the butterflies in my stomach. The rest of the shift passes in a blur, my thoughts constantly drifting back to Ethan, to his text, to tomorrow, and what it could potentially mean for our blossoming yet confusing relationship.

When my shift finally ends, I practically bolt out of the pizzeria, my mind racing ahead to the evening to come. The anticipation is a sweet, tingling sensation that follows me all the way home, making everything seem brighter. More vibrant. It’s the kind of excitement I have not experienced for a while, far too worried about helping Mom get food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. But money is a little bit better, especially with the monthly payment from Jeff to help with homework.

My mom wanted me to come to university to be the carefree young woman I deserved to be, and I didn’t think it was possible until now, mainly because of the most unlikely man—my former rival—Ethan.

Back at home, I find the girls lounging in the living room. I take a deep breath, trying to sound casual. “I’ve got a date with Ethan tomorrow. I think… it might be the night.”

Eva raises an eyebrow, resting the novel she is reading on her chest. “Wasn’t it last night?”

Nessa grins. “I heard you scream his name last night, and I’m deaf.”

My face turns bright red, and my mouth hangs open, making her burst into laughter.

“Oh God, that’s priceless!” she says, wiping her tears of laughter. “Eva told me.”

I glare at them, but it lacks heat.

Eva sits up and rests her book on the table before patting the spot beside her. “Remember, Poppy, don’t mistake pleasure and lust for love. Just because he can make you climax doesn’t mean he’s a good man.”

Nessa snorts, “Wow, Eva. Didn’t expect that from you. You look like a stuck-up history professor who’s somehow trapped in a college student’s body. But that bitterness? I’m here for it.”

Eva smirks and rolls her eyes. “I’ve been around a cock before, Nessa.”

Nessa grins. “Speaking of cocks, remember, even if Ethan’s is impressive if the hips have no game, it’s a waste of a hammer.”

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