“That depends on who’s asking.” I stand up straight, showing that I’ll take no bullshit.
The man extends his hand toward me. “Tristan Callahan. I’m Delaney’s father.”
I look down at his hand but make no move to take it in my own. I’ve heard enough about this piece of shit to know this visit is going to be anything but a pleasant one, and that the chances of Delaney knowing he’s here are slim to none. Zayn scoffs behind me and fails at hiding his amusement.
“What can I do for you, Tristan?”
He narrows his eyes at my blatant disrespect. “It’s come to my attention that you and my daughter have become something of an item.”
“Damn. Word spreads fast around here.”
“Yes, well, no offense to you, but a relationship between you and Delaney is not one I can support. You may be a delinquent, but you seem smart enough to understand that the two of you are from two completely different upbringings. Under no circumstances do the two of you belong together.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s a good thing your opinion doesn’t mean shit then, isn’t it? In case you haven’t noticed, your daughter is eighteen years old, and a fully consenting adult.”
He turns around and reaches into his car, pulling out a briefcase. “I didn’t think you’d listen to me without some compensation, so I’m prepared to offer you cash. All you need to do for twenty-five thousand dollars is simple—stay far away from Delaney.”
Opening the briefcase, the sight of so many twenty-dollar bills makes my head spin. I look back up at her father, wondering how someone could be so judgmental that they’re willing to spend this amount of money to get rid of their daughter’s boyfriend. It’s sickening, but damn—what I could do with that.
“What would I tell her?”
He shrugs. “That you’ve had a change of heart. That you don’t want a girlfriend. That you realized you’re gay. Tell her anything you want, just stay away from her. Delaney is smart and has the whole world at her feet. She doesn’t need someone like you coming in and ruining that for her.”
I nod slowly before grabbing the briefcase from him. “I understand your concern.”
“I was hoping you would.” He straightens his suit jacket and walks around to the driver’s side. “Thank you for not making this harder than it needs to be. You’re a good man.”
As he pulls away, I stick my hand up and flip off the car. Zayn comes to stand next to me and looks down at the briefcase in my hand.
“So, that’s it? No more Delaney?”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Fuck no, but now I’ve got his money and his daughter.”
The two of us get in the car, and I slip my phone out of my pocket.
Knox: Hey babe. We’re going to the diner. Want to join us?
16
DELANEY
I walk down the crowded hallway, refusing to acknowledge the asshole following behind me. Savannah meets me at our locker, and I quickly switch out my books. She knows exactly what I’m doing, and not once has she tried to stop me.
“Come on,” Carter pleads. “I said I was sorry. You can’t ignore me forever.”
Sav scoffs. “You literally jumped her boyfriend. I think she can.”
“Technically, I jumped a guy I’ve hated for years. Her dating him had nothing to do with it.”
Finally, I snap—slamming the locker closed and turning to face him. “Bullshit. Don’t give me that. You two coexisted for years without anything like this happening, but the second he gets something that you wanted, you go all Rambo on him.” Wyatt tries to conceal his amusement, which only brings my attention to him. “What the fuck are you laughing at? You’re on my shit list, too.”
“Me? What’d I do?”
My brows raise. “Like he would be able to spoof my number by himself. You’re just as guilty as he is.”
“Ouch.” Jace puts a hand on Wyatt’s shoulder. “That sucks, man.”
He shoves him off. “Shut up.”