Page 73 of Face Me Off

Nobody puts me first, and he just proved how much he cares.

“Where are you going? We’re not done.” Dad sets his fork down and steeples his fingers, but I’m halfway to the hallway.

“Out,” is all I say, and then I head straight to my room, grab my purse, and walk out the door. They can stew all they want. But I’ve had enough. I’m through with them telling me how to live my life.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

RYAN

I’m sittingin my car waiting for Maddy when her car speeds into the parking lot and parks beside mine. She slams her car door and marches over to my car. She doesn’t even wave; she just yanks the door and slides in.

“I take it that the news didn’t go well?”

Maddy huffs as she slams the passenger door shut. “Just drive.”

“You’ve got it.”

I place the car in drive and pull away from the strip mall. Tons of questions zip through my mind, but I refrain from asking them. If I know anything about Maddy, she’ll open up when ready. Pushing her won’t do any of us any good.

We’re halfway to Malibu when she finally speaks.

“My parents are ridiculous.” She tosses her hands in the air. “They’re so full of themselves, they can’t even see it.

I want to agree, especially since I haven’t shared what her father said in high school or about the settlement offer. I never wanted her opinion of her dad to be negative. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part.

“Dad lost it first. Mom … she couldn’t believe it. She even argued that I’ve always wanted to be a dentist. How can they be so blind?”

“I don’t know. Anyone can see how much joy sketching brings you.” I wrap my hand around hers and bring it to my lips. I kiss softly before saying, “I’m sorry they don’t understand you.”

This calms her down. Though whether it’s from my kiss or my words, I don’t know.

“Dad will never accept it. You know they threatened to pull my funds?” She huffs. “They insist on me not working. But I guess that was only while I complied and went along with the rules.” She twists to look at me. “I’m done trying to please them. I’m only going to please myself.”

“Can I watch?”

That earns me a smack, but she starts laughing.

“God, I needed to see you.”

“I’m glad I can be here to help.” I squeeze her hand. “I’ve always got your back.”

Her anger melts away, replaced by appreciation. Her stare bores into my center and warms places that don’t need warming right now. The last thing I want is a hard-on during a heavy discussion.

I shift in my seat and shake off images of her going down on me. But it’s impossible. My sick mind is now thinking of road head. That is one thing I’ve never received. Such a shame.

“How’d he finally agree? Assuming he did,” I ask, shifting the convo to places that will make any man deflate.

“Oh, he didn’t. But he shut up when I threatened to make an Only Fans account.”

“You’ll come live with me before that happens,” I practically growl.

“Hmm, sex whenever I want and a warm bed … sounds tempting.”

“Daily blowjobs from this hot artist? Yes, please.” I expect to be slapped, but I’m met with hunger. I may have met my match.

“I do like a challenge.”

Guess I have met my match.

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