Page 299 of The Reluctant Hero

“You’re about to choke yourself,” I point out, much more comfortable now that the ibuprofen is kicking in.

Jake turns to me with a gentle smile, his eyes sparkling. “Surprise, my soul.”

Is that whatmeine Seelemeans? My brows furrow as footsteps echo until someone rounds the door.

My dad saunters in with his hands in his pockets and a casual walk. He’s taking in all of the random decorations and is unimpressed with the results. His eyes are like mine, his hair a paler shade of red, more like Cade’s, and cut short. He’s not a menacing figure, despite his muscles. He’s a regular older man with graying temples and a bald spot that he curses about but does nothing to fix. His jeans are ragged, and his casual, ratty marine shirt proves he still works out.

“Dad?” I slowly stand as if he’s a mirage.

The guys all stand up at irregular times, looking like spring toys that were meant to go off at the same time but missed it byseconds. I take my time moving closer to him. For some reason, I’m nervous.

My Dad ishere, of all places. Judging everything he sees silently. Despite all my nerves, I’m glad to see him. I want a hug and a head pat. I’m too choked up to ask for it.

“Hey, Dad,” I say with a light laugh, tears popping up from out of nowhere.

“Hey, pumpkin. Nice digs.” His reply is casual, but he clears his throat, his eyes getting a little misty.

“Not mine,” I roll my eyes, hurrying for that hug.

He holds me for a second but his attention is somewhere else. Namely the men behind me. I can tell he’s glaring over my shoulder because his pats are absentminded instead of affectionate.

I pull away from him, barely catching his expression going from ‘you’re dead meat’ to ‘hi pumpkin, how are you’ innocence.

“Dad, these are the guys that have been helping me through my rough patch,” I tell him sternly.

His eyes narrow on me, a million questions brimming but he doesn’t ask. He learned a long time ago that not hearing about my mischief means he won’t get yelled at by Mom for being an accomplice. He’d have to be an idiot not to notice something is wrong here. Between the amount of guards and security, my bruised-up face, and the fancy suits they’re wearing it’s weird. Dad isn’t dumb.

“Do I want to know details?” He asks, resigned to my screwed-up life.

“No,” I widen my eyes for emphasis.

He nods and sighs the only way a man who’s tired of his daughter’s antics can. It doesn’t matter how old I get. It will still be the same sound.

I introduce them one at a time, giving the guys a chance to say hi before moving on. Ace is casual, Gabe is stiff and cold, andMikael is nervous, which is hilarious. Cade looks sad, probably thinking about his own dad. Jake is all friendly smiles and eager eyes. Dad’s eyes narrow on him, giving him a thorough once over.

I get the uncomfortable part over with quickly. I’m not going to leave my dad guessing about their status in my life. Mom, yes, because she’s nosy as hell. Dad? Not so much.

“I’m dating all of them.”

The guys stare at me like I’m insane for throwing it out there. The only one that’s pleased about it is Jake. He looks proud and stands taller, giving me a wider, more real smile.

Dad stiffens up. His eye twitches for a second. He takes another look around them. Really noting details this time. They stare back with varying expressions. From cold blankness to sheer delight with uncomfortable in between.

“Mafia?” Dad sighs again.

“Nope.” He’ll never guess, and I’ll never tell. Gabe doesn’t protest it, either. He looks too nervous to say a word wrong. They’ve all fallen so quiet I could hear crickets.

“Drugs?”

I scoff, “No.”

“Just rich jerks?”

“Yeah,” I chuckle. Gabe’s eyes narrow on me in silent protest.

“I guess that’s fine,” he shakes his head. “You know your mother is here.”

“Yeah?” I glance at him warily. “Where is she?”

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