“Has Theo said anything more about the night Raven was attacked?”
I shake my head. “No. His team’s still looking into it. He says you didn’t do it, though.”
“I owe him a lot, then.”
“Knowing Theo, get clean and that’ll be all the thanks he needs.” Drew nods and throws back the rest of his whiskey. I nod to his glass. “Another?”
“I shouldn’t, but sure, might help me sleep.”
I stand up and make him a fresh drink, my own glass still barely touched.
“I cannot begin to express my gratitude for everything you’re doing for Raven.” My hand stills as I’m pouring. “I’m grateful I have someone like you in my corner, fighting for me and protecting my daughter. You’re a real friend.”
His words hit me like a punch to the face.
I’m fucked. Totally and royally fucked.
Chapter Forty-Three
RAVEN
Rolling over, I notice the space where James had been is cold and empty. I smile to myself before dragging my ass out of bed and heading for the bathroom. I clean my teeth and splash water on my face before grabbing the hair tie around my wrist and putting my wayward curls in a top knot.
Walking back into the bedroom, I reach down and grab my discarded dress. I would’ve worn one of James’s T-shirts again, but I can’t find one, and after the bathroom incident, I don’t want to go rooting through his drawers again.
Bounding my way into the kitchen, I come to a halt when I see my dad sitting at the kitchen island. I let out a gasp, and his head jerks up.
“Dad? What are you doing here?”
Does James know?
Of course, he does; he would’ve let him in. I swallow. Is James going to change his mind now that my dad’s here?
Dad smiles softly. “Hi, pumpkin. I came to fixsome mistakes.”
I nod slowly, walking to the coffee pot. I need a moment to gather my thoughts; guilt over James sits heavily on my shoulders.
“I want to apologize, Raven.” He clears his throat. “I’ve made some terrible decisions, but I promise you, the threat on your life wasn’t any of my doing.”
Turning round, I glance at him. He looks like my dad, but doesn’t at the same time. His usual put-together demeanor is now a crumpled mess. “What happened?” I ask as I sit across from him.
He clears his throat before looking at me. “I, uh, have a gambling addiction. It started after your mom died. I needed an outlet. It wasn’t a healthy option, but it was the only one available to me at the time.” He sighs before continuing, “Emma helped me get clean when I met her. She was so good.” Dad smiles as if reliving the memory. “But then you went away to college, and I felt like my world had been ripped apart again. I felt like I’d lost a part of your mom when you left and I… just couldn’t cope.” Tears glisten in his eyes as he tells me his truth.
My heart breaks for him and the struggles he’s faced. I rush over to him and give him a hug, tears lining my own eyes. “Oh, Dad. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m the one who should be sorry. I failed you,” he utters.
I scoff. “You could never fail me. You’re my superhero.”
He huffs out a watery laugh and hugs me. “I love you, pumpkin.”
“Love you, Dad,” I reply.
“Ooooh, a hugathon, I want in.”
I jump away from Dad at the newcomer's voice. Twisting around, I take in the absolute god of a man standing before me. My mouth gapes open at him. Long blond hair tied up in a man bun and wearing a suit tailored to his every muscle.
His smirk tells me he noticed me checking him out, and I have to quickly shut my mouth.
