Page 151 of Ink Deep Devotion

“No.” I shake my head.“It died with your father. You’re not willing to turn your back on your family for me, Dash. You’re a candle. Your father was a wildfire.”

The shadows claim the light in our eyes as we continue to stare at each other.“I will always love you, Dash.” My heart beats loudly in my ears,“It’s just that my love is not enough to vanquish your fear, and I can’t live like this. You need to stop coming to me. Just let me go, leave me be in this cage you have made for me.”

I hear his tongue running over his teeth as he sucks in his breath. Slowly, he pushes up, then stands still like he’s accepted death by a firing squad.“How do you live without your eyes?” He voices his final goodbye to me.“Wake up each day to see nothing, only darkness, no light. How do I breathe without a heart, a heart you own?”

“You did this to us.” I cry,“You think this is easy for me?” I grab at my chest, trying to pound out the incoming pain.“I love you so much it hurts. So much that I don’t know who I am without you. I love you more than I love myself, Dash. Don’t blame this on others. It’s you andyoualone who made the decision that tore us apart.”

I lean forward, pushing my chest into my nails, grasping it.“I would rather die standing by your side than alone, trapped by guards. But you won’t allow that.”

“You’re right!” His shadow grows tenfold.“I won’t allow you to die by my side.” He stomps to the door,“because I’m not brave enough to witness it.” He whispers before he slams the door shut.

Chapter 54

Mila

Vetiver and tobacco fill my nose. It’s a strange scent that both resembles home and an estrangement.

My father.

“Hi, Dad.” Dash’s breath fans over the nape of my neck as I step forward to hug my dad. I haven’t seen my father since Dash stole me away and married me. I’m grateful Dash denied my father’s visit. He did trade me without my permission, but dammit, I love my father.

Loving bad habits seems to be a trait I have and would like to end.

I knew I would see my dad today, and I also knew it might be the last day I saw him. If Avery holds true, then I will be making my grand escape today.

“You look,” Dad clears his throat, avoiding eye contact with Dash.“Beautiful.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you happy?”

That question is a warning for Dash.“It doesn’t matter. I’m safe.” I speak so Dash can hear.

“Safety can turn into something special, Mila. It did for your mother and me.” He reaches for the tassels of my cap,“Your mother had one demand of me. Her parents didn’t allow her to go to college.”

“She didn’t need to. She was a star ballerina.”

Dad’s brows lift as he nods.“Yes, but she wanted more.”

Why haven’t I heard about this before? I stuck to dancing after Mom died because I thought it would have made her happy, and it made Dad happy, too.

“She wanted to make sure you went to college and walked across the stage.” Dad finally looks at Dash.“Thank you.”

“I did nothing for you, Greg.” Dash spits.

“I know, and that means you will do everything in your power to keep my daughter safe,” Dad replies.

“I should get going.” Tipping my chin up, I look at every detail of my father, from the wrinkles framing his eyes to his suit pressed so fine that the fabric has a sheen that rivals a polished dagger.

“I love you, dad.” I step back as if I’ve fallen into line and accepted fate.“I’ll do what’s best for me.” Our eyes lock and then snap like an anchor being dredged up from the bottom of a forgotten ocean. Dad thinks that means accepting my fate. He’s wrong.

“All good?” Damian asks, eyes trained on my father, who enters the auditorium.

Dash only nods.

“Mila,” Nova sighs,“You need a touch-up. Give us a minute, boys.”

“I’m not a boy,” Dash grunts, but he allows Nova to pull me a few feet away.

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