Page 94 of Daisy Chain
“You never give them a chance. Evan was perfect for you, and you brushed him away.”
Every man he tried setting me up with was ‘perfect’. It made me feel like there was something wrong with me because I never felt a connection with any of them. “I’ve found who I want. He may not be ‘perfect’, but he’sperfectfor me.”
He rolls his eyes. “You can’t be talking about that club owner.” He says ‘club owner’ like it’s sinful.
“His name is Kade. And yes, that’s exactly who I’m talking about. I love him.” I’m not hiding this from him anymore.
Scoffing, he sets the diary on the counter and crosses his arms over his chest. “He is bad news. Not a man I want you throwing your life away on.”
“Bad news?Because he owns clubs? He also owns casinos and hotels. Kade is a smart businessman. An extremely successful one. Someone to be admired and respected.” My chest puffs out with pride and love.
“He’ll throw you away and move on to the next woman as soon as he’s tired of you. A man like that doesn’t take women seriously.”
“He loves me.” I have one hundred percent faith in his love and commitment.
He scoffs again. “You’re making a mistake with him.”
“If I am, that’smymistake to make.” Although I know making a life with Kade will never be a mistake.
He gives a heavy sigh. “I don’t approve.”
“I don’t need your approval.” Saying those words feels like the greatest boulder has been lifted off my shoulders. For the first time, I feel free from restrictions.
“Well, you’ll soon know what a disaster this is.” With that, he turns his back on me.
It doesn’t make me happy that there’s now a rift between us. Hopefully, one day we can repair what’s been damaged. But for now, I need my space. I can’t forget how he’s lied to me all these years.
Will I ever be able to forgive? Only time will tell.
thirty-two
CHAINS
Laterthatday,I’manxiously waiting for Daisy, wondering how the talk with her father went. When I don’t hear from her for a couple of hours, I have a sinking feeling it didn’t go well.
At the knock at the door, tension releases from my body. She’s here. I propel myself from the couch to open it. Taking one look at Daisy’s distressed face, I hold my arms out to her and let her fall into my chest. I wrap my arms around her, resting my chin on her head as she sobs.
What the hell happened at her father’s house to cause her so much distress? Does he hate me so much, he’s cut her out of his life?
I stroke her hair as her crying trembles through her body, and I make soothing noises in the hopes that it helps settle her. Fuck, I hate seeing her this upset.
When the sobbing doesn’t subside, I pick her up and cradle her in my arms. Using my foot, I close the door behind us and walk to the couch, where I sit with her on my lap. Kissing her temple,I say, “Daisy Chain, talk to me.” She’s freaking me out. She pulls back, her face wet with tears. But it’s the pain in her eyes that stabs through my heart. “You’re not leaving me,” I state.
Her eyes widen. “What? Why would you say that?” If she tried, she might as well rip out my heart and take it with her. I’ll have no need for it anymore.
“Because you’ve turned up here sobbing in my arms. I’m assuming you’ve spoken to your father, and he’s convinced you to change your mind.”
She sits up straighter and swipes her hands over her face. “I’m not leaving you. I’llneverleave you. You’re stuck with me. You better get used to it.” She gives me a small, wobbly smile.
I sag into the couch cushions. “I’m already used to it.” I’ve been alone all my life and was content. Now I can’t imagine a moment without Daisy. I thumb away a tear on her cheek. “What’s gotten you so upset?”
She sniffs. “When I went to talk to Dad, he wasn’t home. While I waited, I decided to go through some of my mother’s things. I had an urge to feel close to her. Anyway, I found her diary hidden in a secret compartment.” She pauses for a moment. I rub soothing strokes up and down her thigh. “Everything my father has told me about her is a lie.”
She goes on to tell me what she read. “Daisy, are you sure this is what you want?” I ask when she’s finished.
She swings her legs off me and rises. “Haven’t you been listening? He lied to me. For years, every time I suggested I do something else with my life, he used ‘this is your mother’s wishes’ bullshit on me. Guilted me into believing I’m doing her work. How could he do that to me?” She splays her hand over her chest with a wounded expression on her face. “He’s done dictating my life. I’ll work where I want andlovewho I want.” She stands taller, and her words are fiery. This is a lot better than the sobbing mess.
“Oh yeah? And who is it you love?”
