Page 60 of Power
“Perfectly. If you think I want to see my daughter shacked up with the March Hare, you are more demented than your little friend.”
“Don’t,” I say, jabbing my finger in his direction. “You leave Finn out of this conversation.”
“If he hurts her, I will slaughter him like a spring lamb. Do I make myself clear, myKing?”
“He won’t hurt her. If anything, she will hurt him. But we digress. Liverpool. March Hare. No deal.”
“She is a very sought-after commodity,” he says slyly.
“You will be well compensated. And do you even give a fuck about her as your daughter?” His attitude is vile towards Bailey, playing the protector, but it seems he doesn’t give a shit in reality.
“I left her and her worthless mother to keep her out of this life,” he hisses. “Of course I give a fuck. If Ididn’tgive a fuck, we wouldn’t be in this mess in the first place. She would’ve been in the life years ago, we wouldn’t be playing catch up, and the March Hare wouldn’t have a chance with her. How did she take the initiation ceremony?”
I sigh and rub my hand over my face. “She is stronger than I thought possible.”
“You're in love with her.”
I meet his gaze, and for once, there is nothing hidden behind his words. Few people can read Gryphon as well as I can, and while he aggravates the shit out of me, he always has my back. Usually. This fiasco with Bailey notwithstanding. But I’m starting to figure out this wasn’t about me in the bigger picture. But, rather, Hare.
“And?”
That slow smile spreads across his lips as he cups his hand behind his ear. “I want to hear you say it.”
“Why, so you can give me your blessing?”
“Who says I would?”
“Don’t be a dick.”
“Say it.”
“I’m in love with her, okay, happy?”
“Aww, and how does it feel to know that she hasn’t given you herself yet?” He gives me a mock-sad look.
“How do you know she hasn’t?” I grit out.
“Ah, the kid isn’t the only one with eyes everywhere.”
“Fuck you.”
“Old habits. When your dad was King, man, the things he used to make me watch. You boys. Got up to so much shit.”
I roll my eyes. “You have got to be fucking joking?”
“Nope.”
“Jesus.”
“He won’t help you, son.”
I shake my head. “Do as instructed, and the price on your head goes away. I can’t dismiss it without cause.”
“You know I’m good for it.”
“Stay low until I tell you.”
“Always.” He straightens the cuffs on his black cashmere coat. “Until then.”
