Jason shoots me a look before quickly following behind my father. I’m not even sure how to take his look… is he mad at me? Sad for my father?
Have I lost the both of them?
I go down the hall to my room, slamming the door behind me.
* * *
“Mia. Mia, open up.” I hear Jason’s voice outside my door. It’s been hours since he left me.
Where the hell has he been?
I make my way to the door, unlocking it, and opening the door to find him standing outside as a smile is spread on his face.
“What?” I snap at him, feeling annoyed that I’m lost on what’s going on. What has he been doing all this time?
“I suppose you could say your father and I have made a business arrangement ourselves…”
9
JASON
I wasn’t sure how to approach Gavin about what had happened between Mia and I last night. I decided not to go into depth, it’s not like I wanted to be that harsh, but I made sure to explain.
We spoke as we walked out the front door, strolling the grounds of the estate, as to how Mia needs her independence now more than ever. It’s the time to give her freedom and let her grow, grow into the woman she is.
He knows I would never hurt Mia. I meant what I said. I still mean it as I stand in front of Mia now, who’s looking at me as if I have two heads.
“Are you and my father fighting?” She asks. I can’t help but chuckle as I pull her into me, wrapping her up in my embrace.
“No, we’re not fighting, not at all. Everything is fine now, little one. I just needed him to see that it could be much worse than you being involved with me. He knows your safety should be of no concern now. Your father knows me like the back of his palm. Whatever he cherishes, so do I, and he loves you as a father should. I want to love you as a man should, that’s the difference. I believe he understands that now. I also informed him how I felt it was best you come home with me now. I can give you the change you crave. I can give you freedom. I can give you love, Mia. The love you deserve. I love you.”
Her eyes begin to well up. The love I have for her is undeniable and I know she feels the same. I can feel it too from her.
“I think he’s struggling to let go of the person that has taken care of him all this time. I think he knows that he can’t keep you a little girl for forever. It’s either he gives you freedom now, or deals with you running off and potentially never hearing from you.”
I never thought it would turn out like this. I would never have thought that Gavin would see it from my point of view as openly as he did.
It’s like a miracle has happened. He doesn’t see much of anything from my perspective, not even with the business at times. What Mia said to him earlier in the guest room must’ve really sunk in.
He doesn’t need her here all the time. She’s a grown woman in so many ways.
Last night, Mia was this sweet, innocent girl. Now… now she’s transformed into a more confident woman, hell, even sticking up for herself as needed. I don’t know how many times she fought the urge before I came around but I love this take-charge woman that she’s become right in front of me.
“Are you saying that I can leave here without my father furious?” Mia raises her eyebrows as if it’s a trap.
“That’s precisely what I’m saying. Now, pack your things.” I order. It’s time to go. I take a step in closer to her, laying a kiss gently on her forehead.
I still show her that I’m very well in control here, that she’s my little one, and I’ll always be her daddy—the one to protect her, to take care of her in life.
I drive my hand to the back of her neck, pulling her in as my lips crash down on hers, thrusting my tongue inside. I quickly pull back, wanting to remind her that she’s in my care now. I’m going to do what I can to make sure that she’s happy, but it comes with a price.
“What else besides my clothes should I pack?” She asks, regaining her breath, taking a step back from me.
“Mm, anything you want.” I nod, glancing around the room.
“My romance collection?” She stares over at the shelf beside her bay window. I frown at her question. Why does she think she’ll need those now?
“You’re going to get all the romance that you’ll ever need, don’t you worry. There’s no need to bring that stack with you.” I say, keeping a slight grin on my face as I try to come across serious, although I know she’s only kidding.