Page 94 of Dirty Temptation

“Did you fuck up?” Dad lowers his brows.

“No. Not on purpose. I think she’s been really hurt.” I shake my head. “Someone else broke her. She won’t let me get close to her.”

He nods and stares at his foot as it taps in the air.

“Then you be the man she can trust. You wait as long as it takes and one day she will give you an inch...and then you don’t fuck up.”

I chew my lip as we sit silently together.

It’s like I’m waiting for the answer to appear. I sense pushing Molly won’t work. She likes my dominance, but in the bedroom. Trust isn’t something you can demand.

If she is really broken, then it will be up to her to choose to risk her heart again.

“Atlas, I know why you applied for that award.”

I blink, wondering about the sudden change of topic.

“I’ve always seen your greatness.”

Fuck.

I amnotgoing to cry.

“You’re an incredible designer,” Dad says, locking his gaze with mine as my heart thumps. “But your true greatness is your love. You love bigger than anyone I know.”

Blink fucking blink.

“Your mom and I watched you growing up with your siblings. As the middle child, you kept the peace and cared for everyone. Even while being a smart ass.”

I did?

“When something is going on in their lives, you’re there. Knox is the protector. Levi the jokester. They’re the roles you’ve adopted. Poor bloody Bella, you all smother her.”

I chuckle.

“I let you apply for the Chamber of Fashion and Design Award, but it doesn’t change how I feel about your talent. I’m a businessman, son. You wouldn’t be the senior designer if you weren’t good enough. The business is thriving because of Knoxandyour design abilities. Both are important.”

Goddamn tears. I drop my face and wipe my hand over my over it roughly.

“Thanks.”

“So if anyone can patiently love this woman, whoever she is, then it is you, my boy.” He nods with a smile.

I need him to leave so I can sob for a moment.

Ward climbs out of his chair and crosses the room to kiss me on the head. Despite being such a powerful man, Ward Montgomery has never held back on affection.

I could never respect anyone more than I do my father.

“Lock the door behind you when you leave.” He pats my shoulder and walks out.

––––––––

WHEN I GET home Harlow is sitting in my kitchen.

She lifts the shoes into the air. “Found them.”

I don’t know if she’s telling the truth but gratitude for her help this weekend dominates my irritation of finding her in my house. Even if Molly overhearing us caused me to lose her.

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