Page 60 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“I didn’t tell you how much he didn’t approve.”

Jonah’s jaw shifted.

“I started therapy eight months ago,” I continued. “I kept it secret because he considers talking to an outsider a betrayal. I paid for the sessions through consulting reimbursements I processed at work.”

“You hid the payments from your father.”

“I did.”

“And he found them.”

I nodded. “He did. He wasn’t worried about the amount. He wanted to know what I’d told my therapist about him and the family. I refused to tell him because those sessions were private.”

Jonah picked up his coffee, then set it down without drinking.

“What did he do?”

“He froze the cards and accounts he controlled. He removed my office access. Then he gave me a choice.”

“The placement or closer supervision in Brooklyn.”

“You remember.”

“You told me that part the first night.”

“I left out why.”

“You left out most of it.”

“Yes,” I said. “I did.”

Jonah pushed his chair back and stood.

My stomach tightened.

He crossed to the stove, turned off the burner beneath the eggs, and moved the pan away from the heat.

“Is your father dangerous?” he asked without turning around.

“He won’t hurt you.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

I rose from the table. “He’s controlling. He’s powerful. He’s used to getting what he wants.”

“Is he dangerous?”

“Yes.”

Jonah braced both hands on the counter.

I forced myself not to fill the silence with excuses.

“Does he know Cade made the profile?” he asked.

“No. He thinks the acceptance came from you. His staff verified your public business and property information, but nobody contacted you directly.”

“I knew they relied on the acceptance.”