Page 36 of The Vow Thief
"Oh yes, but we need each other this time, don’t we, Daddy?" I said with a smile in my voice.
"Before we finalize this agreement, there are a few things I want you to know."
My father's voice came through clear and confident, "I already know about your legal issues. I will take care of them. You need not worry."
“No,” I interrupted.“It’s about Jim Holloway, you know, the man that you trusted to give me a job.”
"Go on," he said.
"He’s been fucking your little girl on his desk for over two years now. Was that what you had in mind, Daddy? Was that the job you wanted me to do for Jim Holloway?”
I heard a low growl from his throat before he spoke.“Is that all?”
“Nope. There’s more. I will marry whoever you choose, but you and he need to understand something. I will fuck who I want to fuck, take what I want, and live how I want. I will not be churning out babies like some factory. This has to make sense to me, too.”
My father chuckled.“Chip off the old block, aren’t you, Lily? You will be brought home tonight to meet your future husband. I will make sure your terms are understood. When we are done here, Chanelle knows what to do.”
I hung up first, gripping the receiver until my knuckles ached. I would take his help. I would even wear the engagement ring if I had to. But I’d be damned if I let him write the rest of my story.
Chanelle studied me. I could feel her eyes survey me like an exhibit. "That was… interesting," she said hesitantly.
I smiled sweetly.“Don’t worry. I know exactly how to handle my father.”
What I didn’t say was that I also knew exactly how to use him.
“He said you would know what to do now,” I said, pushing the phone toward the center of the table like the matter was settled.
For the first time since we’d met, Chanelle’s expression shifted. Not into skepticism or calculation, but something softer. Pity, maybe? Good, I love pity. It's a weakness that I can work with.
“He called me after your first stint in jail,” Chanelle said quietly.“I just didn’t realize what was at stake.”
I tilted my head, feigning innocence.“And now you do.”
Chanelle took a slow breath, professionalism snapping back into place like armor.“You’ll be escorted outside in a few minutes. A car is waiting for you.”
I arched a brow.“A car?”
“A limousine,” she corrected.“Your father sent it.”
Of course he did. Nothing said ownership like luxury on a leash.
She continued, her voice careful.“You’ll be taken to your father’s estate. Once you’re there, you’ll be escorted inside and expected to stay for one month. No outings. No visitors. It’s part of the agreement while your legal issues are managed.”
“Managed,” I repeated, tasting the word like something sour.“So I’m trading a cell for a cage with better drapes.”
Chanelle didn’t flinch.“You’ll have a private suite, a staff, and full amenities. It’s not a punishment, Lily. It’s a containment period.”
I smiled.“You say that like it makes a difference.”
A knock sounded at the door. Chanelle stood, smoothing her skirt, her tone all business again.“That’ll be your escort.”
Two men in dark suits entered, both large enough to block the light. One held the door open, the other waited with a faint smirk, like he already knew too much about me.
I rose slowly, savoring the sound of the chair legs scraping across the floor.“Tell my father I’m touched by the velvet treatment.”
Chanelle met my eyes.“Be careful, Lily.”
I tilted my head.“Careful is boring.”
