“I apologize. I guess the wine got the best of me.” I pull myself together and hide my momentary humiliation with a little wobble of my foot. He reaches out and I catch the earpiece this time. I shove him away but point at him. “One of Daddy’s men.”
“I am.”
“You might be better at pretending than I am,” I say with a nod. “Because you’re distracting and know how to play to your strengths.”
“I hope you don’t hold that against me.” He says sincerely.
“I haven’t decided. Maybe if you let me escape and be a real adult, I’ll let it go.”
“Unfortunately, I have consequences for looking the other way.”
“You’re not the only one,” I say sadly.
I clear my throat. “Anyway, enjoy the party.”
I take a few steps, ready to be done with this event. I showed up. I could be doing better things with my time. I could be making my own empire instead of walking around like Daddy’s accessory. Just because I’m not a man doesn’t mean I can’t take over the business.
It’s the twenty-first century and I’ve been observant. I took business classes. I even took accounting classes and stayed awake all through them. I’ve proved time and time again that I can be as ruthless as my dad ... in most instances.
I leave the event hall and head outside. Nolan paws at my leg and I put him and Charlie in my purse so they can be closer. Nolan whimpers and licks my arm as I close my eyes. Mom knew how to deal. She knew how to keep a poker face like no one else. No one ever knew what she was thinking until she had already gotten her way.
And where had being good, manipulating others through soft nudges, where had all that gotten her? I make myself look up and exhale slowly. Strong women don’t cry. They don’t cry, they don’t yell, and they never admit they’re wrong.
“Juliana.”
It’s impossible for that voice to belong to anyone but my father. I slowly turn around, pulling at the single strap of my dress. I hate when he’s behind me. I narrow my eyes and feel like snarling, but I push all that down.
One act of defiance and I know what it gets me. So I meet his eyes, like a good girl, and give him a soft smile. “Daddy.”
“Where are you going all by yourself?”
Little Charlie growls at my father, like always. I gently stroke his head with my fingers. Mister tall and large approaches behind my father. Daddy waves to him. “I’m sure you’re not leaving without protection.”
“Of course not. I just needed to take a breath. So many people. It can be a lot to handle.”
He approaches and cups my face. He kisses my cheek and speaks softly. “I thought you were over that. And over bringing the rats everywhere.”
Charlie barks and, if my hand wasn’t in the way, I know he’d lunge. I nod. “Of course, Daddy.”
“My princess.” He pats my cheek and I fight the urge to flinch. “I’d like you to keep this man with you at all times.”
“I’m an adult. I’ve studied every single combat class you’ve sent me to. I’m not a damsel in distress. I’m not-”
“You are my daughter.” He growls.
I calm my face and take a slow breath, one that barely moves my chest. The same one I’d use when I was pretending to sleep.
“As long as my name is your name, people will want to hurt you. Why don’t you understand that? How many times do I need to teach you that lesson?”
The tall man takes a step closer. An intimidating step. But I hold my ground. Dad stands over me. “You will keep one of my men close at all times. Anytime you are out of that penthouse. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“I love you.” He kisses my cheek and drops his voice again. “One day you’ll see that.”
I swallow hard and let the tall man take me home. He walks me to the elevator and I swear I see the mask slip from his face. I see something almost gentle in his eyes. He opens his mouth, but then the stony look is back.
“Let me know if you’d like to leave.”