Page 130 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
Dad's expression was a mixture of unbridled rage and hurt, as if my words had actually caused him damage. Did he believe he did a good job of caring for me growing up? Is he delusional enough to think he did everything he was supposed to? Surely he realizes being passed out drunk, sparing with your kid, and barely ever having food in the fridge is not a good childhood.
"Don't come back, Olive. It's clear you've disowned me as your father, even after everything I’ve done for you. Now you're spreading vicious rumors to ruin my happiness because I didn't give you everything you asked for as a child. You're spoiled," he spat at me. His words hurt me deeply, even though they were a bunch of lies. My anger was accessible at all times, and I was ready to show him, but I didn't get the chance as Lucas’ fist made contact with Dad's jaw, swiveling his head enough to make him take a step to the side.
Oh, fuck me!
The second where we all froze in shock felt like it lasted an eternity, only to play again at double the speed. Dad swiveled back around, his fist drawn back and ready to hit Lucas in the throat. I pulled on Lucas' shirt, forcing him back so Dad's punch would miss.
Due to the lack of contact, Dad had to take a step forward to avoid falling. He had put a lot of power behind his punch. I dragged Lucas further back away from Dad. I'd like for my child's father not to be killed by my dad. Dad looked at me with narrowed eyes, and for a moment, I think he contemplated hitting me too. Daisy gasped, thrown off by the whole debacle playing before her.
"I'm calling the police," she said, rushing to Dad's side and looking at us like we were in the wrong.Daisy, if you only knew.
This whole thing had obviously made her believe me less. I sighed, realizing what I had set out to accomplish would not be happening. I looked at her and her little baby bump, worried she'll fall prey to dad faster now. Somehow, in my hurry to help her, I only solidified Dad's grip on her.
"We're leaving, but if you ever need to escape, ask Joe at Iron Work Tattoo for my number. I'll come help, no matter what." I hope she'll keep that information tucked safely away in her mind for when she needs it. Hopefully, the time never comes. I dragged Lucas out of the store, feeling Dad wanted to chase him down and beat him. I hurried us to the car, worried Daisy would actually call the police.
"You shouldn't have punched him," I whispered, staring out the car window at Daisy and Dad holding one another inside the bookstore as we drove away. It was like Dad was comforting her from a bad experience. One we caused.
"I'm sorry, Olive. He made me so mad. How could he say that to you?" Lucas' hand gripped the steering wheel so hard I could see the whites of his knuckles. His jaw clenched as he ground his teeth in anger. "I know I fucked up, and I'm sorry, but I am not sorry for punching him. He deserved it and he deserves so much more." I sighed, knowing I can't truly be mad at him for it. He was right.
"It was a really good punch.” I smirked at him, trying not to laugh.
"You think so?" He smirked back, eyes still on the road.
"Mhm, you made his whole head turn."
"Maybe I'll fight the championship for you, then perhaps Davis won't kill me." We both laughed, lightening the mood despite what had transpired. "I am sorry, Olive."
"I know you are. Thank you for trying to fight for me." I grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly to show him I cared. "Let's get my things from the Inn and head back to New York. I am ready to be home with you."
"Are you sure you're ready to leave?"
"There's nothing else for me to do here." I nodded.
"Then let's go home."
"Liv, pass me the tamales, please," Hailey asked me from across the table.
I reached for the warm stacked plate, passing it towards her. It touched about three different hands before making it to her. Lucas and I decided to start Thanksgiving with Hailey's family since they began earlier than everyone else. Afterward, we were headed to Leo's, where Sarah and Lisa would join us. Apparently, they get together as one big family on Thanksgiving and Christmas, minus Lucas' Dad and now Leo's.
"No, mamá, no tengo novio." Hailey answered another pestering question about her love life. Her family was determined to have her set up, but she refused them every time. "Sí, yo veo que Olive tiene un novio muy guapo."
Translation: “Yes, I see that Olive has a handsome boyfriend.” I'm definitely learning more Spanish thanks to Hailey and her family these past few years. I tried to save her a few times, but it was a lost effort as someone always brought the conversations back to the dreaded topic. By the end of it, Hailey looked ready to strangle the next person to mention the words love, boyfriend, or relationship.
"How was the visit home?" Hailey asked me as I helped her wash the dishes. Lucas helped too, being the wonderful man he is.
"It was interesting, crazy even." I began to tell her about Ian, Dad, his girlfriend, how Joe helped Mom, all of it. She gasped, she cried, and she yelled.
"Good job, sir." She patted Lucas on the back when I told her he had punched dad right in the face.
"There's something else I want to tell you, but you can't tell anyone." I pointed my finger at her.
"You know your secret is safe with me." She nodded, reminding me of how well she was at keeping secrets.
"I'm pregnant."
She yelled so loudly some of her family came rushing in to check on her. She came up with some sorry excuse, but her family believed it. They know she's always been very enthusiastic and energetic.
"What great news, Liv. I am so happy for you guys! Are you still going to be able to graduate?" She asked me, worried as she thought about what it means for my future.
