Page 98 of My Bossy Billionaire Attorney

“Oh honey,” he says softly, adding a long sigh, “permit me to brag a bit. I know when a case is going to be good before I even take it. And that doesn’t mean I don’t like challenges. I knew I wouldn’t let you go. I love you too much for that.”

I see the look of shock on his face as he says the words, the pause as he contemplates what to do with the confession, and then the breezy chuckle of acceptance.

“There. I’ve said it. I was wondering how long I could hold myself back because I’m someone who calculates everything before I take a new step. But I guess I love you too much.”

My chest blossoms with his words, and his truth inspires the same in me.

“I love you, too,” I say.

“You do?”

“Of course she does,” Peter says from the front. “You two have been whispering sweet nothings to each other for the better part of twenty minutes, now stop making me the third wheel.”

I reach forward and gently smack Peter on the back of the head. “Be quiet. If he wants to hear it a thousand times from me, then so be it,” I say.

He rubs the spot. “Ouch. You didn’t have to hit me that hard,” he kids. “But sure, you can go back to acting like I’m not here.”

Laughing, I pat his head a bit before turning to Michael again. “I guess things like this happen out of the blue for people like us. I remember when we went from two people who couldn’t stand each other to spending a lot of time in each other’s company.”

He nods. “And we like it that way.”

“Sure, we do.”

Peter clears his throat. “I said I wouldn’t let my presence be known, but this is something you might want to know, Savannah.”

“Okay?”

“I asked him not to reach out to you until the trial concluded, but he has been asking to meet with you. He says he wants to apologize,” his tone is hesitant. Cautious. “My mom too. It’s fine if you say no, but I thought you should know.”

I exhale.

Hearing that the same man who had made my life unbearable and taught me that I would be incompetent no matter what wants to meet me—sounds like a joke.

Especially after the time I called him, drunk and all he had to give were excuses.

Maybe that’s why I’m so skeptical.

Michael takes my hand, offering silent support.

“Okay.” I find myself saying.

“Okay?” Peter repeats.

I nod. “I mean, what could go wrong? If this is a front for something else, then it won’t shock me because I’ve heard everything there is from him.”

“I’ll come with you,” Peter adds. “And this time, I won’t let him get away with anything. My mom, either.”

Michael leans closer, his lips to my ear. “If you want me to be there, I will.

“I want you there,” I squeeze his hand. “Please.”

It feels encouraging knowing that the people who I love and consider as family will be there for me.

***

My breath hitches as we walk into the restaurant. Peter walks to the hostess to find the table.

I see him immediately, even though we are still standing at the door. The man I have known as my father my whole life, and also the person who made it almost unbearable to be a child, a happy teen, or a secure adult.

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