Page 121 of Kiss Me Like You Mean It

‘You don’t have a private pension set up, is that correct?’ he asks.

‘I do, but I haven’t contributed to it for a while.’ I swallow. ‘I’ll see if I can find the details for you.’

‘I see,’ he says again and I can’t even look at Lee. ‘And what provisions have you made thus far for Phoebe’s future? Is there a college fund?’

‘Not as yet.’ I swallow. ‘I do have some savings but obviously that’s a priority for me.’

My own failures as a father are thrown into stark relief. Guilt claws at me. I’m letting my daughter down. I’m a terrible dad.

‘We’re still working out our best options for the future,’ Lee cuts in here, and her voice is all steel. ‘Nico’s primary concern – and mine – is Phoebe’s wellbeing. For the last year he has demonstrated nothing but level-headed and practical responsibility. He is taking this moment to explore his options and make the best decision for everyone involved. That isn’t something to be rushed simply because his father has sent someone to rake his life over the coals in an act of petty control.’

It’s my turn to stare at her.

‘I didn’t—’ Charles begins, but Lee interrupts, her eyes flashing. She’s on a roll now.

‘Nico is one of the best people I know,’ she continues hotly. ‘No, scratch that. He’s the best person. I have been lucky enough to have him in my life for twenty-seven years and he’s a kind, generous, caring, intelligent man. Just because he refused to follow the path his father wanted him to, he’s had to spend his whole life being made to feel like some sort of ungrateful, irresponsible waste of time.

‘He’s been belittled and snubbed by that side of his family while making his own way in the world – without a penny from his father by the way – and climbed to the top of a wildly demanding and impossibly competitive field through hard work and talent alone. Now you want to make him feel as if he’s letting that little girl down, when he’d give up his whole life for her happiness? Well, not today, not on my watch.’

She’s standing now, and Charles and I exchange a look of bewilderment.

‘This entire process is insulting and Nico is handling it with more grace than you or I ever would. The idea that he should have to prove he’s some sort of saint before he inherits what’s rightfully his, from a man who – let’s be honest – was one of the most morally bankrupt individuals I’ve ever met, and I’ll remind you that I occasionally investigate terrorist organisations for a living…’

Wait, what?

‘… is an irresponsible and disgusting misuse of the legal system and you ought to be ashamed of yourself.’

Her cheeks are pink, her chest is heaving. There’s a moment of ringing silence. Charles closes his portfolio and slides it into his briefcase.

‘Thank you. I think I have all I need for now,’ he says levelly. ‘I’ll show myself out.’

He pushes his chair back and Lee and I both watch as he leaves, closing the front door behind him with a click.

I exhale.

‘Well, Daisy. That was some second rodeo.’

‘Oh my god,’ she whispers. ‘I did it again.’

‘Yup.’

‘Why are you smiling? This is a disaster. I basically just told the trustee to go fuck himself.’ Her fingers are in her hair, her expression is panicked.

‘Yup.’

She waves a hand at my face. ‘Stop it. Why are you looking at me like that?’

I walk over and reach for her waist, and then I bend down, and unceremoniously haul her up over my shoulder. She beats at my back with her fists. ‘Nicolas Hart!’ she yelps. ‘What are you doing? Put me down, right now.’

I kick the door to the bedroom open with my foot and toss her on the bed, where she bounces. She pushes her hair out of her face and looks up at me, furious.

‘What on earth has got into you? Have you lost your mind?’

I stare down at her, and start unbuttoning my shirt. My hands go to my belt. Her mouth drops open, her pupils blow out like drops of ink in water.

‘Yup. Now get naked.’

There’s a tapping sound against the window.