Page 86 of Tease Me (Dark Odyssey 1)

We were told straight out that he had to change his diet and make things easier on his heart.

“No,” he shakes his head. “It’s not that. You… look happy.”

I look down at the granite worktop for a second and return my gaze to him.

Happy?

I actually don’t intend to look that way. When I think of it realistically, nothing’s happened as such to warrant such a strong word.

“I’m just happy I have the situation under control. Hector can’t bother us if we’re paying. I don’t want us to be in that situation again. I just want the payment made every month.”

To do that I already told him I’d make the payments, while he got the bills for the house. It was better to owe on the mortgage than owe Hector.

He brings his hands together and looks at me with sad eyes.

“I’m sorry Mia, I can’t apologize enough for what happened last time. It was stupid. Until now I don’t know where your brother is. He promised me he’d give the money back.”

I won’t bother to point out that this wouldn’t have been the first time that Carter promised to do something and didn’t do it. The fact that it was money meant we were never going to see hide nor hair of a penny of it ever again. Seriously.

“Dad, I can’t tell you it’s okay. It’s not. But what I’m saying is, it’s good we’re dealing with everything.”

Now he looks worried. “Are we Mia? I haven’t asked you much about this job but I’m worried because of the lack of information you’ve given me. You got ten grand just like that and you’re talking about paying off the debt. All our bills are up to date and we have this sitter that comes and stays here while you go out to work. I’m not stupid baby girl. What kind of job is it?”

I sigh because I really wish he wouldn’t ask me. “I told you, I’m helping some people who own a shipping company. It’s the truth.”

His eyes narrow with the shadow of fear. “What are you doing though?” he questions, brows etched with worry.

He knows and I won’t confirm it because I know that he’d rather die than have me use my body the way I am.

I can’t explain that it’s not what he thinks, because I can’t even explain it to myself. I can’t explain Nick because what he does to me when I’m with him isn’t about the business relationship we have. It’s something else.

As I look at my father though, I know I can’t pass off what I’ve been saying again. I can’t, but I can’t tell the truth either.

“Dad, there’s nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.”

It’s now he really looks worried. “Mia, please for Christs sake tell me you aren’t stripping or something like that.”

At least I’m not lying when I shake my head. “No, Dad. I’m not. I’m not stupid. I’m far from stupid and I wouldn’t do something I’m not comfortable with, or something I don’t want to do. Where I am is… I’m just okay Dad, and I’m dealing. I’m okay,” I keep saying that. It’s important he knows I have a handle on it.

He hangs his head down, not really accepting what I’m saying.

“Dad, I’m serious. I’m okay.” I assure him trying to smooth over his worry.

“Mia, is this a place where I could come visit you at work. Drop by with Beth one night and meet the people you work with?” He presses his fingers into the counter top while he continues to stare.

“No,” I shake my head before he even finishes, but now he’s rattled me. “Dad, we are in trouble. Carter got us in trouble and I’m doing what I can. Sometimes we have to make difficult choices. It doesn’t mean it’s forever. When you decided it was okay to give Carter the money you should have paid Hector, I know you knew he wouldn’t give it back. It’s no surprise that you can’t find him or whatever. This is not new. You put us in danger big time and could have gotten us killed. So please don’t badger me on my choices. I’m telling you I’m okay and I am.”

He bites down hard on his back teeth and nods slowly. “I’m sorry Mia… I am. Please don’t let me upset you. Don’t. It’s good to see you happy. I wish that I could have done something to fix this all myself and you could be happy for different reasons,” he gives me a little smile which doesn’t reach his eyes. I can tell there’s more he wants to say but he holds off. “Understand how I feel. You’re my little girl and I failed you. I don’t know what you’re doing but I would prefer to die than hurt you.”

“No, that’s not going to happen Dad.” Fear burrows into my soul and claws at my inside from the horrible thought of that happening.

He reaches out and covers my hand with his. “Please Mia promise me, if this gets dangerous or if something changes and you don’t have a handle on this, don’t do it anymore.”

I hold his gaze and dip my head. “I promise.”

He smiles again and gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m hoping to take on some clients next month. I made some contacts.”

Hope fills my heart hearing that, it really does.

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