Boss Alpha
Page 20
“I asked him not to release those photos.”
“And he listened to you?” I shouldn’t be surprised that Titan could accomplish something I never could. My father was more stubborn than a bull. And when he came head-to-head with another bull, it was worse.
“Yes.”
My father had no problem destroying my life, but if Titan made a request, he didn’t mind accommodating it. I was his son, and she was just a stranger. It was wrong on so many levels.
“I told him you would never forgive him if he released those photos.”
My eyes focused on her face, numb to her fingertips as she touched me.
“He’s angry with you over a few things. He knows you’re angry with him. But he wants to reconcile with you…eventually. He doesn’t want to take a relationship off the table altogether. So I told him to take the first step toward making things right. That’s why he sent you those photos, as an act of truce.”
As much as I wanted to deny it, her words meant something to me. My father was tense and quiet over the phone, but he wasn’t hostile. He did exactly what he said he would. He halted his fire and didn’t destroy Titan. She was right when she said I would never forgive him for hurting her. He’d obviously listened.
“What are you thinking?”
“A million things.”
“Care to share?” Her hand moved up my back and into my hair, where she gently massaged the strands. Her fingertips were heavy with love, and she touched me in a special way. It was sexy but affectionate at the same time.
“I hate him. But at the same time, I appreciate what he did.”
“I told you he loved you.”
“I think you’re getting carried away.”
“I don’t.” She held my gaze with strong green eyes. “He took the first step, Diesel. Now you should take the next one.”
“You’re forgetting all the shit he did before this. He does one right thing, and he’s vindicated?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You’re acting like it. That man is evil.”
“No, he’s not,” she said gently. “He’s your father.”
“I haven’t had a father in ten years.” I’d never forget the way he treated Brett, always neglecting him and giving Jax and me all the attention. “And now I’m a grown-ass man who doesn’t need one.”
“Every child needs a parent.”
“Not me.”
“Diesel.” Her hand moved to my cheek, where she rested her fingertips. “I’m going to say something to you, and you’d better listen to me.” Her green eyes were bright despite the darkness. She possessed so much beauty without even trying. She was gorgeous from head to toe, inside and out.
“I always listen to you, baby.”
“You’re going to listen to me even more now,” she whispered. “My father wasn’t a perfect man.”
The second she mentioned her late father, I tensed.
“Money was always a problem. When he was in between jobs, he drank a lot. Sometimes he wouldn’t come home at all. He got down on his luck and sank into his depression. When he crawled out and got another job, he was better. But it was a vicious cycle with him. Every time he apologized, he meant it. I always forgave him, even though I knew he would relapse over and over. He was far from perfect—but he was still my father. I loved him as much as he loved me. We always stood beside each other no matter what. I wish he could see me now, see what I’ve become. I wish he were still alive so I could take care of him, show him he would never have to worry about money ever again. I wish I could make up for all those difficult years we had.” Despite the painful topic, she spoke with strength. Her voice didn’t shake even as the emotion grew in her eyes. “My father is gone, and I’ll never see him again. But your father is still here, Diesel. He’s had his rough years. He was never the same after your mother passed away. He never expected to be a single father. He may be rich, but he’s suffered. Like my father, he’s not perfect. He’s made his share of mistakes. But he’s still here—and he loves you.”
Also by Victoria Quinn
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