Page 18 of Ashton

“What do you mean? Doesn’t your dad own this school?” Ace asks, raising a pale blond brow.

She scoffs, moving further into the room. “He does, but that doesn’t mean shit when he bought it from the school board. He still has to answer to all the members; I’m not sure what will happen.”

The door opens as if he were summoned. Prescott stands there with a blank stare and slowly turns, taking in Jinx. Closing his eyes, he rubs his forehead.

“Jesus Christ. I’m a shitty father.”

Jinx rushes to him, wrapping her arms around him; he wraps his arms around her shoulders, dropping his face into the towel around her head.

“It’s not your fault, Dad.”

“I was in the office and didn’t even notice you were.” He pulls her closer, taking a deep breath. His eyes meet Atticus’, then Ashton’s.

“What do you know?” I asked, moving to the small chair.

“Tell me what I should know. I just got a call from Cameron’s grandfather naming my sons as the attackers.”

Atticus licks his lips and stands. “You should sit.”

Prescott pushes Jinx arm’s length away. “What did that asshole do to you? Because scenarios are running through my head that no father wants to be thinking, and I won’t be able to control my next move if I get my hands on that SOB.”

Jinx dips her head and threads her fingers together. “Dad, it’s not where your mind is going, but it’s not that far off.”

Prescott blows a puff of air out. “How far off?”

Jinx turns to us, chewing her lip.

“He touched her in your fuckin office,” Ashton spits out.

Jesus Christ, he doesn’t sugarcoat shit. I don’t know if I would’ve ripped the bandage off that quickly. I kinda beat around the bush.

Prescott stumbles backward, throwing his hand back against the wall. Jinx reaches out to grab his other arm, so he doesn’t fall.

“Dad!”

Atticus leaps from the couch, rushing to his side before Ashton or I can reach him.

“Prescott, talk to us.” Atticus helps lower him to the floor. “Are you having a heart attack?”

“I’m calling 9-1-1.” I reach for my phone.

Prescott waves his hand. “I’m fine.”

“Promise?” Jinx’s voice cracks with worry.

Her dad brushes her wet hair away from her face. Her towel lays next to her, discarded from her mad rush to get to him.

“Promises are meant to be broken. I swear I’ll be fine. What about you?”

“I’m fine. Or will be, I swear.”

He chuckles. “Just like your old man. Stubborn. I’ll do whatever I can to remove him from school. What can I do now?”

“Nothing. The thought of Cam sucking soup through a straw almost satisfies me.”

He pulls her in for a hug. “I want you home this weekend for supper.” He glances at all three of us. “That goes for you three, too.”

Ashton’s shoulders slump, Atticus’ back straightens, and I prepare myself for one hell of a fight. Serena will no doubt try to start something with Jinx, especially now that she isn’t getting a cent from Prescott. I wouldn’t give thatwoman anything, either. She’s a wicked woman. I don’t know how the twins can stand their mother.

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