Page 82 of Wrath

“Sure.” I brushed the hair from my face, then rushed over and answered the door. “Is something wrong?”

“No, everything’s fine. I just wanted a minute with my daughter.”

“Oh, okay.” I motioned him inside. “Well, come on in.”

He stepped through the door, then looked over to the disheveled bed. “So, this is happening, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s happening.” I couldn’t help but feel a little defensive, so I asked, “Is that going to be a problem?”

“Not if you’re happy.”

“Well, I am. I really, really am.”

“That’s all I want, and if he fucks it up, I’ll kill him.”

“I think he’s very aware of that.”

“Yeah, I think you might be right.” He chuckled as he reached over and gave me a hug. “I love you, kiddo. Nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

“I know, Dad, and it means the world to me.”

His expression changed as he said, “So, I’m gonna need a favor.”

“Okay? What is it?”

“I’m gonna need you two to stick around for a couple of days.”

“Why? Did something happen?”

“I just want you close in case someone comes around asking questions.”

“Okay. I can do that.”

“That’s my girl.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, then said, “I’ll be around if you need me.”

Without saying anything more, he turned and walked out of Wrath’s room. Once the door had closed behind him, I quickly made the bed and got dressed. I had no idea where Wrath had gone. I waited around for a bit, but finally gave up and went back to my room.

I tried to busy myself with different projects like looking for a new job and cleaning out my closet, but I didn’t have much luck. I was bored, but eventually, Wrath returned, and we were able to spend some time together.

Over the next couple of days, it was more of the same. Wrath would disappear for hours on end, then miraculously return. I was okay with it. I just enjoyed the time I had with him. It was just what I needed to take my mind off of everything that had happened with Garrett. I had so many questions about everything that happened, but whenever I asked about it, I always got the same answer—‘You don’t have to worry about him anymore.’

I was tempted to push, but I trusted Wrath and my father. I knew they would see to it that the right thing was done, and that included making sure all of those women in those pictures were okay. So with peace of mind, I spent my free time working on finding a new job.

I loved photography and desperately wanted to stay in the profession, but my options were limited. The closest photography studio was over an hour away. Not that it mattered. They didn’t have any openings, so I had no other choice but to explore other options.

I looked into secretarial work and other office jobs, and it was flat out depressing. I was on the brink of utter frustration when Wrath walked in. He came up behind me and looked over my shoulder at my laptop as he asked, “Whatcha doing?”

“Trying to find a stupid job, but I’m not having any luck.”

“I don’t get it. Why do you have to find another job?”

“I have to work, Wrath.”

“No, you don’t, but that’s not what I meant.” I looked up at him as I listened to him say, “You got talent. I’ve seen it. Everyone has. Just open up your own studio here.”

“Seriously? You think I could do that?”

“I think you can do anything you want.” He reached down, taking my hands, lifting me to my feet. “And if you want your own studio, then we’ll make it happen.”

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