Page 76 of Sweet Sin

The McAllisters’ attorney clears his throat. “You have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.”

“I do.”

“With plans to go to law school.”

“Yes. I’ve already been accepted at Georgetown.”

“That was never going to happen anyway,” Mr. McAllister says. “You’d be going here somewhere in Texas. Once you marry my son.”

Mr. McAllister’s attorney clears his throat again. “I’ve discussed this with my client, and we’ve had preliminary discussions with your father. If you truly don’t want to marry young Mr. McAllister here, you’ll need to put your law school plans on hold. Indefinitely.”

I rise, curling my hands into fists. “Being a lawyer has always been my dream! Daddy, how can you let them take that away from me?”

“If you marry Miles, sweetheart, you’ll still go to law school.”

“And answer to whom?” I demand.

My father doesn’t respond.

“There’s currently an opening for a parole officer in the area, and you meet the necessary qualifications,” the McAllisters’ attorney continues. “You take that job, and when we come to you and ask for a favor, you’ll do it.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then you marry Mr. McAllister.”

Dad looks at me. “Sweetheart, it’s the only way.”

“What do you mean it’s the only way? None of this makes sense to me. I’m twenty-two years old, a legal adult, and you’ve locked me in a room.”

“Sweetheart, you know the kind of work I do. And unfortunately, family members are always affected.”

“Then why didn’t you leave? Why didn’t you leave instead of marrying Mom?”

“If I hadn’t married your mother, you wouldn’t be here.”

“True, and I wouldn’t be in this horrid position that you’ve put me in. Locking me in a room. Not allowing me to call the police. What kind of father are you?”

He rises then. “Savannah.”

I drop back into my seat.

And I hate myself for it. But when my father uses that voice, I obey.

23

FALCON

After dinner, Leif and I go out on the front porch and talk while we watch the dogs.

“How are your sisters doing?” I ask.

“They’re good. Laney just graduated from college. And Scarlett—What?”

“What do you mean what?”

Leif wrinkles his brow. “I mentioned Scarlett’s name, and the look on your face… It got…weird.”

I’ve got no problem with Scarlett Ramsey. But my brother Eagle is currently pussy-whipped over her, and I have a feeling he’s doing something stupid.

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