Page 65 of Impending Consent

After helping Skylar with the coffee, I headed back toward the dining room but paused when I heard voices coming from my father's study. I could hear Gray and Rival talking inside, and well yep, I listened…

"You look like you could use a drink after that shit show," Gray said.

I knew I shouldn't eavesdrop, but curiosity got the better of me. I moved closer to the door but stayed out of sight.

Rival chuckled. "That obvious, huh?"

"Torrance is intense but tonight he was ready for war. You handled it well though and pretty much the same way I dealt with him about Sky."

“I guess that gives me hope because y’all seem cool.”

“Yeah we’re good. He didn’t like the way I stepped to him about Sky but he respected that I did. Give him time.”

"I was prepared for some resistance but that shit was extra.”

"That was a full blown inquisition, but for what it's worth, I think you passed."

"Not with her father."

"Torrance is tough, shit more than tough, but he'll come around. If you had let him handle you, then this would have ended differently. Hell, he didn’t throw you out of his house, so that’s a good sign.” Gray's tone was light but honest.

“You think he would have.”

“Hell yeah.” Gray laughed.

"But even if he needs time, the rest of us don’t. We just want Sail to be happy."

There was a pause before Rival spoke again. "She will be. I got her. Even if she keeps fucking fighting me, I promise I got her."

Something fluttered in my chest and I smiled big as hell.

"I believe you," Gray replied. "Look, I'm not going to pretend I understand how this all happened, even though Sailor's explanation was truthful as fuck..."

I tensed, remembering how truthful I had been.

"Sail’s not the easiest person to get close to. Keeps everyone at arm's length except her family, and even then, she's selective about what she shares."

"I've noticed," Rival said dryly.

"But tonight, she let you in. She defended you and that's not Sail."

"She was just standing up to her father," Rival said.

"Nah, she was standing up for you. There's a difference." Gray's voice was firm. "Sailor doesn't do that. She lets people fight their own battles. Always has. The Addisons are complicated," Gray continued. "They love hard, fight hard, and hold grudges like a muthafucker, but once you're in, you're in for life. Trust me on that."

"Speaking from experience?"

Gray laughed. "Hell yeah, when Skylar and I first got together Torrance hated everything about me. Ex-athlete with a scandal attached to his name. I was his worst fucking nightmare for his daughter."

"What changed?"

"Time. Consistency. Showing him I was serious about Sky and that I wasn't going anywhere, but more importantly, by doing what you did. Standing my ground and not giving a damn about his expectations or opinions about how I fit into Sky’s life." Gray's voice turned serious. "If you really care about Sail and you're in this for real and not just because of some contract, then show up. Every day. Be the man she needs, even when she pushes you away, hell especially then."

"I appreciate that.”

"Just one more thing…" Gray's tone became protective. "If this is about money and if you hurt her..."

"It's not, and I won't," Rival interrupted firmly and that dominant tone was back, making me smile.God, this man was so damn sexy."I give you my word."

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