Page 146 of The Forbidden Villain
I get up, rolling back my shoulders and grinning at him, my voice even despite the turmoil within me. “You aren’t going to give me the talk, are you? It’s a bit late for that, Dad. No disrespect.”
Hilarious, coming from him, because when they got married, Aileen was already born, so he didn’t take his own advice.
He studies me for several beats. “You remind me so much of myself. Some things in life are inevitable, no matter what you do. That’s the tragedy and beauty of our existence, which pointsout how insignificant our desire to control is. What’s meant to be will happen.”
He pushes off the fireplace and puts his glass away before coming closer to me and gripping my chin, lifting it.
Dad always had this intensity about him that commanded me to act right in his presence, muting my rebellious nature.
“Two families can raise their children differently, but they might turn out all the same. You see, child of mine, certain qualities will grow in both hate and love, because a good environment and opportunities do not change anything if this has been broken.” He lets go of my chin and taps on my chest. “Once a certain part of our souls becomes hideous, there is no curing them, and that’s something hard to accept.”
We always had deep and meaningful conversations with him. However, never of this caliber, as if hiding my vices was a useless idea, because he knew about them anyway.
“Dad—”
He pats my cheek, and as he looks at me, it’s like he sees right through the little boy who still exists within me, who wishes to run away so he wouldn’t see that he’s damaged.
Hungry for the blood of those who wronged him despite everything my family has given me.
Statistically speaking, I shouldn’t do what I do because I have all these privileges.
“Never question your place in this family, Levi. You’re our son. Always remember that. And if Lavender is who you want, and you’re willing to go to war for this woman, we will accept her as our own. Before you subject a woman to be your bright light in the darkness though, you have to destroy all your demons. Otherwise, she won’t ever be truly safe from them.”
Fuck.
Does he know?
“Dad—”
“Think about my words. You never came to me for advice, but I’m giving it nevertheless. Also, if there's ever trouble that requires my help, tell me. I’m always here.” He pulls me into his embrace again, tapping my back while I grow rigid in this hug, thousands of chaotic thoughts flashing in my head, yet I can’t push myself to ask the question that would confirm or deny my suspicions.
I’m not ready for the truth.
Aileen peeks her head from the terrace. “Mom is asking if you want to join us for some tea.”
“Of course,” Dad replies.
“Sweet.”
“Thanks, Dad. I know,” I say, squeezing him hard before stepping back and trying to put a lid on my emotions with some humor. “Remember when you guys had this challenge with the uncles calledthe princess tea parties? You even wore a tutu to appease her.”
“It’s hard to forget. Your mom framed the picture from that day and hung it proudly in our room.” We start moving toward the terrace as warmth coats his voice, so different from his earlier words. “And now my princess is getting married.”
“She’s very happy.”
“Yes. Only because Rush put his demons to rest.” I don’t even have time to comment on it as we walk outside, where Mom and Aileen sit at the table. Theodore pours coffee into our cups because we dislike tea. “So, princess. Tell me all about your wedding before the groom arrives and you forget everything.”
Mom laughs as I enjoy this evening, seeping the familiar calm from my family and reminding myself that, biologically, I’m Robert’s son.
That fact always affected me in the most fucked-up way.
But in my heart and soul? In all the things that truly matter?
I’m theirs, and because I’m theirs, I’m going to do what my father said and not jeopardize my future.
I owe it to the little boy I once was. To my family and friends.
Most importantly, though…
