Page 109 of Redeeming the Villain
“Dad, I’ve been on my best behavior lately.” I pause, knowing that it doesn’t matter what I say; I know his mind is already made up.
He laughs with no humor. “Is that why I received a photo of Malik Ravenwell carrying you across campus? I mean, what on earth goes through your mind when you call that behaving? I warned you, Alora. Please don’t make memake youfollow my rules.”
“Then stop making them, Dad. I’m an adult. Besides, it’s not like you’ve been in my life for a long time anyway,” I snap, wondering if this will soften his anger or fuel it more.
He takes a deep breath. “I know you can’t understand. I don’t blame you. But sending you away to your aunts was for your own protection, Little Rose. It was to keep you safe from the dangers of my job. Which is only getting more dangerous since I’ll be running for senator.”
I always knew he would shoot for the stars in his career. I know he wants to run for president one day. But why does his success have anything to do with the way I act? More specifically...the way he wants me to act.
Tears well in my eyes. He might have meant well at the time, but that doesn’t take away any of the pain he’s caused. He can’t take that back.
“Please, just stay away from the Ravenwell boy,” he pleads.
“Why are you so insistent about it? What is your problem with him?” I beg him.
He sighs and clicks his tongue. “He was involved with a lot of bad people in high school. He’s dangerous. I’m trying to keep you safe.”
Malik was a lot of things back then, but he was far too busy ruining my life to get involved in shady shit.
As much as he watched me, I watched him back. I needed to know where he was, so I didn’t step on a mine and blow myself to smithereens.
And I know my dad’s lying. He clicked his tongue before he started talking—the tell he’s had for as long as I can remember. I just can’t figure out why they’re connected.
“Okay,” I lie right back to him. “Is that the only reason you called? To yell at me?”
I can practically see him rubbing his temples in frustration.
“No. I called because I saw the article that was just published inEvermore Daily News. A piano professor. Did you meet him?”
“Yes.” My voice is quiet.
He exhales heavily. “Christ, Alora. Do you know who was involved? Please tell me it wasn’t you.”
Should I lie to him? I feel like if I say the truth, he’ll just find yet another reason to keep a closer eye on me.
“No, it wasn’t me.” The words feel like poison on my lips.
I hate lying. I hate liars. But this is for the best.
“Thank goodness. That would have been a media disaster.”
My face pales at his utterance.
He clears his throat and quickly says, “And I’m sure it was very traumatic for whoever the victim was.”
Yeah, it sure was.
“Good thing you don’t have to worry about a new scandal or bad press,” I snap, my voice cruel and harsh.
“Listen, I have compassion for the situation, but with the upcoming election, we don’t need a distraction.”
“Dad,” I whisper in shock and disappointment.
“Never mind that. If you hear anything or any reporters approach you, stay quiet and keep your mouth shut. Please, honey, for the both of us.”
“Yeah, Dad, anything you want.” My voice is saddened and strained as I fight back the urge to cry. I’ve cried enough for this man over the years.
For the first time in a long time, his voice sounds kind and sincere as he says his goodbye. “I love you, Little Rose.”
