So, I smile at him, and he furrows his brows. “You’ve had your say, and now it’s my turn to talk.”
He curls his lip up at me. “Excuse me?”
“I’m talking now, Niall, not you. So shut the fuck up and listen… I’ve tried being nice to you, but you don’t play fair. Well, guess what? I’m done being polite seeing as you’re incapable of returning the gesture. Aiden loves me. I love him. Nothing you say or do will tear us apart. I’m here, forever. Like it or lump it, I really don’t give a flying fuck. I will not put up with your intolerable bullshit anymore. So, go right ahead, asshole, keep pushing my buttons, and you’ll see what I’m really capable of. Go on… I dare you,” I say quietly into his face, staring directly at him.
His brow furrows and his nostrils flare. “You can’t talk to me like that. Remember about your little friend in St. Luke’s?”
I lean in close, narrowing my eyes on him. “Do it… see if I care,” I rebuke, staring him down.
The old bastard stares right back, but I’m not giving in. I continue staring Niall down until he finally admits defeat and looks away.
“When did you grow a damn backbone?” he asks.
“I always had one, I just didn’t realize I could use it.” I shrug, knocking him with my shoulder as I walk past.
“Stupid bitch, you’re nothing but a money-hungry wench, and you know it,” Niall snaps.
Aiden appears out of nowhere. “For God’s sake, Father, will you shut the fuck up? Jeni, baby, go wait for me in the office.”
“No way. Thanks for standing up for me, Aiden, but I got this.”
Aiden looks at me with one eyebrow raised.
“Niall, you have no power over me. Therefore, any of your ridiculous threats and abusive words mean jackshit to me. I tried to be nice, for Aiden’s sake, but I won’t put up with this crap from you any longer. I’m a better person than you’ll ever be. For once in your life, shut your stupid fucking mouth and act like a normal human being.” The asshole tries to say something, but I don’t let him as I put up a hand. “You act all high and mighty, but really, you’re nothing but a lonely old man, which is completely your own fault. I’m taking control over my life, and for once, it doesn’t include you belittling or abusing me. I won’t let you do it to me anymore. Your playtime is over. Stop acting like an imbecilic child and grow the fuck up! Oh, and one more thing, Niall… go fuck yourself, you arrogant prick.” I shrug and walk away leaving Aiden and his father standing there with their mouths wide open and their eyes bulging out of their heads.
Holy fuck! That felt so damn good.
I can’t believe I had the guts to say all that to him, but I feel so amazing that I walk back toward the office with a pep in my step, and Brielle notices.
“Someone’s in a good mood,” Bree says.
“Can’t help it. Life’s good, and I just told your father to go fuck himself,” I admit, standing by her desk.
“You stood up to Father?” she asks with a surprised grin on her face.
“Sure did. And I feel G.R.E.A.T. Great!”
“Wow! Who are you and what have you done with the real Jeni? Don’t get me wrong, I love new Jeni. Well, technically she’s the old Jeni. Oh crap, you know what I mean. It’s nice to have you back,” she gushes.
We watch Niall slink back into his office. He turns, scowls at me, then slams his door. I bite my bottom lip to keep from grinning at him. I don’t want to antagonize the old bastard, but shit, it feels good to get one over him for a change.
Aiden walks over to me smiling so brightly it makes me melt. “That was fucking epic,” he declares, pulling me to him, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“I probably shouldn’t have been so rude, but he fucked me right off.”
“No, baby, what you said was perfect. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m so in awe of you and how strong you’ve become. You’re back to the old Jeni, the one who called me a moron for crashing into her car. I’m undeniably proud of you for standing up to Father. I have to admit, it was pretty damn hot watching you worked up like that.” He waggles his eyebrows. I giggle, then Aiden quickly pecks my nose and walks back into his old office to finalize his packing.
Getting ready for our impromptu housewarming, I find myself in lighter spirits. Aiden is placing drinks in the outside refrigerator when the doorbell chimes. Together, we walk to the door to greet Killian and Daniel, who are standing with a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne.
“Happy housewarming, big brother,” Killian says chirpily.
Daniel’s eyes open wide. “Wow! This place is really cool,” he chimes, walking through and hugging me.
“Thanks. We th
ink so, too,” I reply.
We all walk to the deck, and the boys take a seat. “Drink anyone?” Aiden asks.