Page 59 of The Painter and His Poet

“He’s concerned, Drix.”

Drix heaves out a breath. “I can’t have him here right now. I’m too fucking angry.”

“I get it. How is Lia doing?”

“He hurt her, Sterling. If I’d taken any longer to get there he might’ve killed her,” he replies, his voice cracking.

“But youdidget there in time. She has you now, Drix. You’ll never let anyone hurt her again.”

“I swear to fuck, Sterling, I wanted to end him. I’ve never felt more rage in my goddamn life. Who beats on a woman like that? FUCK, I should’ve killed him!”

“He’ll go to prison for a long time, Drix,” I soothe, trying my best to reassure him. “Lia and Toby need you to be present in their lives, not behind bars too. You did therightthing.”

“He better hope he does,” Drix grinds out.

“Do you need me to do anything?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got things covered.”

“And Lia and Toby, are they–”

“Staying with me forever. I’m not letting them go, Sterling. I love them so fucking much.”

“I know you do. Is Daisy okay?”

“She’s shaken up, but she’s stronger than people give her credit for. She’ll be okay.”

“And this marriage?”

“Is still going ahead. Daisy and Dalton signed the contract that Carl drew up a few days after your dad’s wedding,” he says, confirming what Dalton had told me. “He’s released me from my obligations and I feel like a cunt for it. Daisy wouldn’t back down, and Dalton is too much of a selfish prick to put a stop to this.”

“He’s your best friend, Drix,” I remind him, though Igetit. Drix is extremely protective of Daisy, and we all know what Dalton is like.

“Hewasmy best friend,” he cuts out. “Daisy is doing this out of her love for me, Lia and Toby, but Dalton? We all know money talks where he’s concerned, and Carl won’t let him see a penny of his inheritance unless he marries and gives him an heir to carry on the family name.”

“I didn’t think they’d actually go through with it. I’m sorry, Drix.”

“Daisy’s due to move in with Dalton this weekend. Their engagement party is the week after, and their wedding is going to be arranged for a few weeks after that.”

“That soon?”

“Yeah, that soon.”

“Fuck, man, that’s tough.”

“Daisy insists she has her own reasons for marrying Dalton…” Drix pauses, then sighs heavily.

“Want to talk about it?” I offer, sensing there’s more to this that I don’t fully understand.

“It wouldn’t be right. I don’t want to break Daisy’s trust.”

“I understand. Just know that I’m here for you if you need me.”

“I appreciate that.” Drix says. “How are things with you and Harlow?”

“Hey, you don’t need to worry about me, you’ve got enough going on,” I reply, palming the back of my neck in agitation.

“Listen, I could use the distraction right now. Lia is having an x-ray done on her ribs, and Daisy’s sitting with Toby whilst I wait to speak with the doctor, so what gives?”

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