My head is reeling from the information that he’s kept from us. All these years, and for what? Why has this all been hidden?
Moving past me, he reaches to open the door and walks out. Landon and Blake are walking straight for us as I try catching up with him and getting in his way. Landon is looking particularly furious about something.
“If I ever hear you've been speaking about Willow in that manner again, I swear it will be the last time you open your mouth,” Landon snarls at Father. “She is not a gold digger. Nor is she, in any way, sycophantic, you arrogant bastard.”
Holy shit.
I stop, my gaze passing between them, and then look at Blake. He sidesteps the impending storm until he’s at my side, apparently protecting me, yet again, from a potential blowup.
“She slept in the guest suite, out of sheer fucking respect for this family and because I asked her to wait, but no more. She is with me. I am with her. In fact, she'll be moving in with me as soon as I can get her to agree to it. Do you damn well understand that?”
My hands grasp the back of Blake's T-shirt, peering around his body. This could go all kinds of wrong. Although, now it's happening, I'm not sure how. What's Father going to do? Have a temper tantrum?
I chuckle a little, mentally giving Landon a heavy pat on the back. We could be in heart attack territory, though. I look over Father’s frame in comparison to Landon towering over him, watching his face reddening. Maybe we should all calm down and take this to the drawing room to talk about ...
“Ivy?”What?My head shoots up at the sound of Landon addressing me. “We're both needed in the library. Now.” I nod, kiss Blake’s shoulder, and let go of him as Landon returns his glare to Father. “This is not finished. Be here when I get out of the interview so we can end this once and for all.”
I watch him backstepping down the hallway towards me, not once taking his eyes off Father, until he eventually turns and points me to the library. It isn't until I get in the room and see DCI Jenkins waiting for me that I remember I hadn't actually finished with my own line of questioning. I guess that'll have to wait now.
Chapter Nineteen
BLAKE
Istare at the door that Ivy just walked through, instincts wanting to be there by her side. When she first described her family, I have to say, this was nothing like I imagined. Drama, spiteful comments, secrets.
“Blake,” her father says, as he approaches.
I offer my hand to shake. “Hello.” Our introduction over breakfast felt rather false, and after that blowup, I’m not sure what's coming my way.
“I know Joan has thanked you already. I was distracted at breakfast, and you had matters to discuss with Landon.”
“Yes, and Joan’s been very welcoming. It’s a pleasure to meet Ivy’s parents,” I add, suddenly feeling this isn’t going to go positively.
He huffs a little. “My wife would welcome anyone who helped her little girl.” His voice is gruff, and I can hear how angry he is despite the illusion of pleasantries.
“And you wouldn’t?” I question.
“I am grateful to you for making sure Ivy got out of that … little tussle.” He looks away, past me and heads to the window. Little tussle?
“I should warn you, Mr Rhodes. I’m not in the best of moods. And dealing with potential suitors isn’t-”
“I’m sorry, Mr Broderick, I’m not a potential suitor; I’m Ivy’s boyfriend.” I stand firm. After witnessing the showdown between him and Landon, I know the direct approach might be a risk,but Ivy's worth it, and despite my intentions of making a good impression, pissing her father off isn't something I'm scared of.
At least her mother seemed to like me.
“Really. And what makes you think you’re good enough for my daughter?” He turns towards me, his eyes narrowing accusingly. There’s a shark under his frail appearance, and I can imagine him to be just as aggressive as Landon in his day.
“Saving her from mortal danger on two occasions is a start. But, even if those events didn’t happen, I love your daughter. I can make her happy. That should be enough.” I stand tall as I lay it on the line and realise what I’ve said. It’s the truth, though, and one that I need to tell Ivy.
His face grows redder, as if he’s losing control of his temper again. “That’s never enough for a Broderick.”
My hands clench at my sides as I fight to keep my anger in check. “I’ve served my country, worked hard my whole life. I’ve killed for your daughter, and I want to make a life for us. If that’s not fucking good enough, then I guess we’ll just leave it up to Ivy.” What I’ve said might be a challenge to Ivy’s father, but I’m betting that she won’t be dictated to by him. In fact, his disapproval might help my case.
He practically vibrates in front of me until I think he’s going to explode. He doesn’t. He just turns away and storms off, walking straight for the main door to exit it.
“Well, that went well,” I mutter under my breath.
With nothing else to do while Ivy is busy, I take a walk out into the gardens, enjoying the sun and the peace and quiet. It’s been days since I visited my mum. Speaking to Joan, even briefly, made me think of her and the differences between them. If things had worked out differently these last few days, I could have been killed or ended up in prison. Both scenarios would have ensured my mother would be left alone, and after I made such a deal about being around for her, a sliver of guilt crawls up my spine.
