Page 35 of Dirty Dillon

Chapter Ten

Cressida

The venom in my father’svoice is startling. I really don’t understand why he hates the Duke brothers so much. But it doesn’t matter. Not anymore.

“Dad, I’m in love with Dillon,” I say, surprising myself with the strength in my voice. And probably I should have told Dillon I was in love with him before I told my dad. “And I’m moving out to be with him.”

My father glares at me, his icy blue eyes searching for a sign of weakness. “Absolutely not!” he seethes. “Go to your room, now!”

I refuse to back down. I shake my head, my determination growing stronger with every beat of my heart. “No, Dad. I won’t be controlled by you any longer. I heard you talking to Blake last night. I know there’s something going on, and I won’t be a part of it.”

“You’re imagining things, Cressida. Always so dramatic,” he snaps, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

“Am I?” I challenge, my hands trembling ever so slightly. “Because I’m pretty sure I heard you promise your daughter’s body to Blake in return for silence.”

“Cressida, don’t be ridiculous.”

I stand my ground, refusing to let him intimidate me any longer. “I’m not being ridiculous, Father. I heard every word. I won’t be a pawn in your twisted game anymore. You’re not my pimp.”

My father’s expression darkens, and I can see the anger boiling inside of him. “You ungrateful little brat,” he says, his fists clenched at his sides. “You will do as I say, or else.”

He is certainly not acting like the cool, collected politician he pretends to be.

I take a deep breath, steadying my nerves. “No, I won’t. I’m going to be with the man I love, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

Before he can respond, Dillon places himself between me and my father, asserting his dominance.

“Enough, Hamilton,” he growls. “Cressida is coming with me.”

My father’s face goes red with anger, but I can see the fear hidden behind his fury. It seems like he knows that he’s losing control over both me and the situation. Whatever Blake knows about him must be really bad.

“Fine,” he spits. “But don’t come crawling back when you realize what a mistake you’ve made.”

Dillon takes my hand, squeezing it reassuringly, but Blake blocks our path. His eyes are dark with anger and possessiveness.

“Your father entrusted me to look after you, and I won’t let you throw away your life on some...mechanic.”

Dillon’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t back down, stepping between me and Blake. He towers over the lawyer, his body language radiating confidence and power.

“Back off, Masterson,” Dillon warns in a low growl. “Cressida made her choice, and she doesn’t need you or anyone else controlling her life.”

“Is that so?” Blake challenges, his eyes narrowing. “Well, we’ll see about that.”

As if sensing the potential for a fight, Dillon’s body tenses, ready to defend us both.

“Let’s go, Dillon,” I urge.

“Think very carefully, Cressida,” Blake calls to my back as we head to the truck. “Your family is counting on you.”

My family currently consists of only the man opening the vehicle door for me. He’s the only person who has ever defended me. The only person who matters.

And I’m never going back.

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