Page 53 of Not Your Little Girl Anymore

Dad’s hands loosen on his belt as he rolls his shoulders and brings his finger to my chin, tilting it up. “Your mother was a piece of work, princess. With everything I told you, don’t you see that? It’s over. She’s gone. It’s done with. End of discussion.”

He lets go of my chin and swerves on his heels. I let out the breath I was holding and watch as he walks away. But I can’t let him leave. What kind of daughter would I be if I didn’t fight this?

“No!” I shout, and he turns his head slowly, then his body. “I will not stand here and allow you to force me to believe that everything is over with.” My eyes burn from the tears that threaten to come pouring out. “Someone murdered Mom, and you… you just act like it’s no big deal. It’s not fucking OK, Dad.” I don’t know what has come over me, but I stand taller.

His posture tightens, and his nose flares as he takes two large strides so we’re mere inches away. “You watch your mouth!” he warns. “You do not speak to your father that way. That is not how I raised you.”

My body flinches back at his loud, rough tone. I look away, breathing softly before straightening my posture and looking back at him. I can’t let him control me—control this. I have kept my mouth shut for a long time and allowed Dad to make my decisions for me, speak for me. Not anymore. I am not going to allow him to push me down and make me feel weak.

I take a deep breath. “Everything I said at the funeral was true. I spoke on Mom’s behalf, and from my understanding, it was you who forced the case to close. You begged. So, Dad, please tell me. Why would a husband want that if he wasn’t a suspect?”

He points at me. “You know absolutely nothing, Summer.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Excuse me? I know nothing? I’m not as stupid as you think. Fuck, is that really how you think of your own daughter?”

His arm rockets upward, and the back of his hand smacks my face with a sharp crack. A searing pain spreads across my cheek. The lingering sting radiates down the side of my face. My hand flies up to my throbbing cheek, and my mouth hangs open with shock and disbelief.

There is this buzzing sound that beats in my ears, drowning out all other noises. Horror slams into me. I can smell the sweat of anger emanating from his body as he stands over me. His eyes flash with fury. I want to move, but I can’t. I can’t breathe. It’s like my lungs are locked in an airtight jar. The only thing I can do is stare at my father, a man I no longer recognize.

My eyes pool with water, and the last thing I want is for them to slide out, but it’s too late.

Dad pinches the bridge of his nose and lets out a deep groan. He paces back and forth, breathing deeply. My nails dig into my palm, trying to control the way my body shakes as I watch his every move.

Finally, he huffs a small laugh and strides to the door, slamming it shut on his way out. I jump from the sudden noise.

My hand shoots to my chest, and my breathing increases, coming in short, heavy gasps. Sliding down onto the floor, I press my fingertips to my temples and rock back and forth.

What has my father become?

Chapter Twenty

Alec

I’m bored out of my ever-loving mind.

Practice ended over an hour ago, and I’m lying on my couch with my head against the armrest, tossing my hacky sack up in the air. My lip quirks up at the memory of Summer throwing it at me just a few nights ago.

There’s a tug in my chest that is just growing because she hasn’t responded to my text today. I normally never care if anyone answers my messages. But I haven’t had a reason to before.

My phone vibrates on the end table. I spring off the couch in eager anticipation, a surge of excitement pulsating through me that she may have finally responded to me. That’s replaced with disappointment as soon as I see Chase’s name light up the screen.

I answer the call. “Chase, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“We have a problem.” His voice is sharp.

Shit.

I sit back down, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Don’t tell me this is about Denverson.” I already know it’s going to be.

I hear him sigh. “Look, I’m sorry.”

“Fuck. No. You said they agreed.”

“Jesse agreed. Come to find out, it wasn’t her decision. Her brother owns the bar. She only manages, and I guess he’s refusing to change the date. Says it won’t look good for business.”

I can feel a headache starting between my eyes. “Is there any way you could talk to him?”

“You don’t think I tried that? Alec, this is it. You can either agree on the date or lose the gig entirely.”

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