Page 66 of Pinky Promises

“No, I don’t think I am, son. Not once in that conversation did I lie. Iamsorry for springing it on you the way I sprung this on you. And when you didn’t answer, Ididtalk to John about it and saw that I went about it all wrong because I gave you the chance to say no.”

“But you said that you would find another way.”

He smirks as he leans against the wall crossing his arms and ankles. His stance is as cold as his tone.

“And what do you think that was exactly? I call it finding another way.” His eyes light up as if he’s proud of what he did. “I’ve had my suspicions over the years, but tonight you confirmed it as I approached you at the bar. Anyone who has eyes can see why you declined my offer. You’ve always had a soft spot forher.So, I took matters into my own hands. I saw the hurt in Ms. Macallister’s eyes as I made my announcement. In fact, I made sure to look directly at her as I said it.” He chuckles callously.

My blood boils at the venom in his voice at the way he says Brynn’s name as if he hasn’t known her since birth and hasn’t watched her grow up. “I saw her race out of here, and while you did follow her, I would say that since you are here and she is not, my plan worked, and there are no longer any distractions standing in the way of getting what I want.”

What he wants? What about what I fucking want?It’s always been about him.

“Do you hear yourself? Get what you want? You seriously think that after all this, I would still go along with your plan?”

My father pushes off the wall and closes the distance between us. “I can, and you will. You forget I’m the one in power here.”

“No, Charles. That’s where you’re wrong. I’m in control of my life. I don’t need you for anything—I haven’t for years. To hell with you.”

There is nothing I can say or do to change things, so I’m done wasting my breath on him.

Fingers grip my bicep as I try to walk past him.

“Your whatever you want to call it with Miss Macallister,” he begins.

“Brynn. Her name is Brynn. You’re her godfather, for fuck’s sake. Call her Brynn.”

“Your relationship with Brynn,” he says as if her name leaves a disgusting taste on his lips and takes too much work to say, “does nothing to benefit your future or the future of this company.”

What the fuck?Not every relationship needs to have a reason behind it. “She’s my best friend and the woman I love.”

“You walk out that door, Callum, and we’re through.”

I should laugh in his face that he thinks this is like a business relationship.

“Fine by me.” The only family I need walked away from me tonight, and I let her. It’s time to get her back.

I tug my arm from his grip and ignore him shouting my name as I walk away. I guess he didn’t think I would do this. That he could manipulate me again, but I’m fucking done. Without turning to face him, I whip my arm behind me, flashing my middle finger.

As I grab my coat from Imelda, I hear my father’s words to me. “This house is no longer your home.” But that’s where he’s wrong. This house has never been my “home.” My home has always been a person, not a place. I give her a forced smile before walking out the door and never looking back.

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