“So does living with your consequences,” I counter.
“Clever.” He smiles as if I just graduated college with honors.
“If you don’t leave, they will hurt you. I don’t want to see that. It’s unnecessary.”
“Then come with me.” He holds out his hand.
I’m struck dumb by his delusional state. “What do you think is going on that I would go anywhere with you?”
“You’re making a mistake you won’t be able to take back,” he insists.
The pity in his eyes pisses me off. “I’m not a rebellious teen acting out and running away with the town bad boy. He’s my old man and we’re having a child. It’s a lifetime commitment. I don’t know what Mom told you, but KOC is not Hell’s Dominion. You know that.”
“They’re not yet. These clubs don’t start out that way.”
“No.” I hold my hand up. “I’m done. We have nothing left to say to one another.”
“Didn’t you ever wonder about my side of the story?”
“No. I didn’t. Because I was old enough to see you were never around and when things were chaotic and at times…pee my pants scary.”
“Addiction is a disease.”
“Yes and how we choose to handle it is up to each individual,” I argue refusing to buy his poor me lines.
I swear I see calculation in his wideset hazel orbs. The man is a master manipulator. It’s how he slips into so many situations unnoticed with a chameleon like quality to blend in and befriend. Investigative reporting is not for the faint of heart, he went all out and after the big dogs. It earned him money and a reputation, sure. But it also turned him into a walking target. Some days, I was shocked he still lived.
Skull is going to be pissed.
“I need to go.” I move around him.
He follows behind me. “You can’t just ignore me.”
“I’m not. I’m asking you to leave me alone.”
“No matter what happened in the past, I am still your father.”
“Thank you for the genetic contribution, but your services are no longer needed.”
He grabs my wrist. “I’m trying to prevent you from ending up like me.”
“That’s where you misunderstand. I could never end up like you. I’m not that heartless, reckless, or self–absorbed. I knew what I was getting into. This is what I want. If nothing, you can understand that you’ll never force me to do something I don’t want to do. If you really love me. Back off, and let this all die down before you ruin the lives we’ve made for ourselves apart from you.”
The sound of a motorcycle makes us both jump.
He hesitates.
“Go!” I bark.
He gives a curt nod.
I close my eyes and wait for the shit storm I know is about to rain down.
“Ruthie.” It’s Skull’s concerned filled voice.
“I’m okay.” My voice cracks.
“What the fuck was that?”