Page 71 of Dangerously
Liam’s face contorts. “You’ve become very hostile.”
“You have no idea,” I rumble with aggression, like a wildcat ready to tear apart its prey.
“It’s very . . .stimulating.”The word drips with perversion.
“You are disgusting and obviously haven’t changed one bit.”
“I’m your father. I love you, that will never change,” he professes with that same vulgar depravity in his eyes. The same way he looked at me when I was young.
“You’re a fucking child molester, that’s what will never change. How’s Ling?” I throw my ninja nanny right in his face. I know her presence in his house threw a wrench in his whole life. Kept him far away from Farrah and let me sleep soundly at night.Fuck you.
“Still there,” he replies with a tight jaw. Exactly the reaction I was hoping for.
His annoyance isstimulatingto me.
“Good. Tell Ronan you ran into me. And that I went back up to the room. I’m not feeling well.”
Liam doesn’t like that message one bit. I’m sure he was looking forward to ogling me all during lunch. Too fucking bad.
“When can we see each other again?” he asks pathetically.
“Never,” I spit. “This is the last time. I’m dead to you. You are definitely dead to me.” I march off, ready to break his arm if he tries to touch me again.
He doesn’t. He actually lets me go. We’ll see if it’s really for good.
Back in the room, I strip off my dress and run a bath. I just need to soak the revolting film of Liam McNamara off my body.
I also need to relax. To step away from the edge, and reel myself in. Seeing my father again rips open up so many old wounds. It sends me back to a cold, dark place, where I regress into a restless, feral animal. It turns me back into someone I never want to be.
I sink into the hot water and let it scald my skin. Let it distract me. Let it renew me. I clear my mind, refusing to let him to poison my thoughts.
I’m stronger than that. Stronger than him. Stronger than everyone.
I soak in a bath of contention until Ronan returns to the room. By then, I have rewarmed the water two times over.
“Fallon?” he calls for me.
“In here,” I give up my hiding spot.
He walks into the bathroom, loosening his tie.
“Feeling any better?” He sits on the edge of the marble tub, thoroughly enjoying the view.
“Much, yes.” It’s the truth. The time alone and the bath worked wonders.
“Good.” He dips his index finger into the water.
“How did the rest of your meeting go?” I hate to ask, but I know I should. Keep up a good front.
“Very good.” Ronan is pleased. And when Ronan is happy, no one gets killed.
“That’s good to hear.”
“I think Mr. McNamara is going to prove to be a profitable asset.”
“He seems like the type.”
“What type?”
