Page 124 of Into the Woods

“I have to be,” I answered. “If I can help stop Eric, help stop some of these guys, then I want to. I need to.”

“I get it, trust me,” Maddie responded, her tone soft. “Even now, I’ve been talking to Ryan about college. I always thought I wanted to be an architect, but the more I learn, the more I want to help Phoenix. Maybe I’ll go into social work.”

“You can still help Phoenix, and others, with an architecture degree,” I pointed out. “You can help design buildings and homes for people that need them.”

She tilted her head. “Yeah, maybe.”

My bedroom door opened, and I looked up as Court slipped inside. My heart gave a little kickstart. He looked all sorts of sexy in ripped jeans, a white t-shirt, and his leather jacket.

But then I saw the look in his dark eyes, and I froze. That look told me I wasn’t going to like what came next.

“Mads, I’ve gotta go,” I said. “Court just got back.”

“Yeah, I should pack before Ryan changes his mind,” she said. “But I’ll see you soon, B.”

“See you soon,” I echoed and hung up. I slid off my bed and waited for Court to come to me.

He sat on the edge of my bed and tugged me between his spread legs, burying his face against my chest. My hands instantly delved into his soft hair, the strands still cold from the freezing temperatures outside.

“What’s wrong?” I finally asked, bracing myself for the worst.

“I need to talk to you,” he said, his tone somber as he looked up at me, those whiskey-colored eyes uncertain.

“Okay.”

“Becca, we’ve been keeping an eye out for guys coming into town. Men and women that we know are affiliated with the clubs and parties that Westford organizes,” he started.

I nodded, following along. “Right. Maddie mentioned Trick saying as much. That's why she and the guys are coming to Paris.”

He looked surprised. “Maddie’s coming, too?” He gave a slightly bemused smile. “Never mind. I can see her being very convincing.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “Now tell me the news I’m not gonna like.”

His gaze met mine, and his hands tightened on the backs of my thighs. “One of the men we saw come into town last night—a man who met with some other people of interest today—it’s your dad, sweetheart.”

My eyes drifted shut as the news leveled a part of my heart.

“I’m sorry,” Court added, standing up and pulling me fully against his chest.

My head fit perfectly under his chin, and I burrowed against him as the news rolled over me like a tidal wave.

“I guess he didn’t tell you he was in town?”

I pulled back. “You think I wouldn’t have told you? You know I’ve been ducking his calls. And it’s not like he’d leave a voicemail and say Hey honey, I’m in town to commit a bunch of felonies—let me know if you’re free for brunch?”

He cupped my face, his long fingers cradling me. “I’m not accusing you. I just didn’t think the guy was enough of a douche to come to Paris and not at least try to see you.”

I let out a bitter laugh and twisted away from him. “Yeah, well, clearly I mean a lot to him.”

“I’m sorry, baby girl,” he murmured.

I wrapped my arms around myself and turned back with a shrug. “You’d think I’d be used to people I love not giving a shit about me, but it still hurts every damn time.” Tears burned my eyes and spilled over before I could blink them back.

Court grimaced. “He’s an asshole, Becca. That’s not on you.”

“He’s my dad,” I croaked.

“And?” His eyes blazed as he closed the distance between us and grabbed my shoulders. “Baby, we’re not our fathers. You’re not, Ryan’s not, Linc’s not… I’m sure as shit not, and neither are my brothers. Just because we got thrown into the shitty end of the genetics pool doesn’t mean it defines us.”

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