“What makes you think I’m hiding something?”
Dad’s emotionless mask returns as he settles from the fire that was just burning his asshole a minute ago. His bored, impassive tone grates on my nerves.
People underestimating me is one thing but talking to me like I’m stupid is another.
I snort, and my dad narrows his gaze, warning me to watch my tongue.
“Do I look stupid to you?” My voice bounces off the walls as my tone rises. “You’re risking business deals for him, not to mention the bullshit you’ll be putting on my shoulders once I step up.”
“You’re not rising as leader, Malia Alya. It is within the rules of our family for the first-born son to take over.”
“Fuck off, Dad. I have bigger balls than Donovan does. If you want us to size up, I bet my imaginary cock would best him, too.”
“Malia, please.” My dad huffs then runs a hand down his face. “We are not discussing you taking over leadership. As for Brenner, do not question my intentions again. Given you are my daughter, I will repeat myself, but only this once. We do not know what he has on us, nor do we know who has this information. Accept that as the answer because it is the only one I will give.”
I snort, rolling my eyes—and wonder how the man I’ve looked up to my whole life, the man who loved me and protected me no matter how much I fought or made it nearly impossible for him, could look me in the eye and lie to me.
“For an honest man who lives his life through morals and the code of this family to the point of not only being blind but stupid, you’re a shit liar.” I laugh without amusement.
Dad watches me as I realize he’s not who I thought he was. “I’m not buying the bullshit you’re selling me. Fuck the family code and fuck whatever secrets you’re hiding. I’ll continue to protect Liam, but I won’t do it here living under your roof. I’m moving out.”
Without another word, I storm past my dad, bumping his shoulder as I open my bedroom door and slam it in his face. Anger bubbles under my skin, my adrenaline throwing my energy into overdrive, and I no longer feel an ounce of exhaustion.