Page 138 of On Cloud Nine

I won’t stand for it.

“Neither of you have ever acted like you cared about me, and until you start taking responsibility for all the things you did wrong as parents, you won’t get to have me in your life anymore.”

“Molly,” Dad pleads. He’s as complicit in this as she is.

“We’re done.” I straighten, my chin lifted as I pull my dress up off the ground. “Enjoy the whisky and hors d’oeuvres.” I grab Matthew’s hand and turn toward the exit.

He pauses for a second, looking back at the stunned expressions on my parents’ faces.

“Your daughter is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. It’s a shame you’ve never taken the time to get to know her.”

With that, we leave the ballroom.

My mother shouts after us, demanding to know where we’re going, but I’m not listening.

All I can focus on is the fact that I need to get away from this, away from the suffocating expectations and demands of my family.

As Matthew and I step out into the cool night air, my pulse continues ringing in my ears. A new sense of freedom washes over me.I’m taking control of my own destiny. It won’t be easy, but I’m stronger than they’ve led me to believe.

Chapter31

Molly

“I knowthis was quicker than expected, so thank you for letting me stay here,” I say, watching Matthew’s muscular arms lug forty pounds of books up the flight of steps in his house.

“Stay? You think I’m installing shelves and a new closet for you so you can pack up and leave? I don’t think so,” he chuckles.

“I’ll help,” I chime in. He looks at me over his shoulder, cocking a brow. “Hey, don’t look so surprised. If I’m going to be running The Griffin, I have to learn how to be handy.”

My favorite boyish grin dimples his left cheek. “Being handy isn’t an issue for you.”

“Tsk, tsk, Matthew, your mind is filthy,” I tease. Our laughter fills the house. I tug up the sleeve of my Stella McCartney Smile wool sweater as I continue to drag my suitcase up the stairs.

“You’re one to talk. Sweetest and filthiest person I know.”

My cheeks heat. “Only sometimes.”

Matthew sets the boxes down in his office, which already has a desk set up for me right beside his. Even with assistance from the moving company Matthew called last night, we’ve had to unpack the majority of my stuff ourselves. He wipes the shimmer of sweat off his brow with the back of his hand.

After what happened at the Winter Ball, I can’t stand having anything tie me to my parents. That meant moving out of my townhouse and cutting up my Centurion card. The years I spent in that place were lonely. I was constantly surrounded by things that weren’t my own.

Are those days finally behind me?

“Thank you.” I avert my gaze from Matthew, feeling shy. “Not only for helping me pack up my things, but for being here for me. For having my back against my parents.”

“Of course, darling.” He walks toward my spot in the doorway and pulls me into a hug. Like he knows exactly what I need—to be held by him.

I inhale his vetiver scent and lean into his damp shirt.

Could this really be home now?

Am I even capable of sharing a life with someone when I’ve yet to pick up the pieces of who I am?

Matthew’s warmth encases me, and I squeeze my arms around him harder. I’m not sure how long we stay glued together.

A minute, ten?

My body trembles as memories of the past twenty-four hours flash behind my closed lids. My eyes sting from last night’s crying. He gently rubs circles on my back and kisses my forehead. “It’s okay, baby. I’m right here.”

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