and her lips were stuck in a pout as her frown grew deeper. It seemed her troubles had followed her into her dreams. It wasn’t until my phone softly pinged from the nightstand that I realized I’d been watching her sleep like a goddamn creep.
Fuck it.
Leaning down, my hands planted on either side of her head, I asked myself if I was really willing to risk everything for one goddamn kiss. As if hearing my thoughts, she softly moaned in her sleep, and I decided the answer was a resounding yes. Pressing my lips against hers, I warred against deepening the kiss. When she rolled onto her back and spread her legs, I decided it was time to go. Snatching my phone and my shoes up, I shook my head in disgust.
This newfound chivalry could seriously bite me.
Any other girl and I would have taken what she freely offered. Keeping my steps light, I made for Tyra’s bedroom door. Once in the hall, I listened for her father, already thinking up an explanation if I was caught.
The house was as quiet as a mouse.
Stepping out into the early morning sun and finding the driveway empty except for Tyra’s little Honda, I considered throwing caution to the wind and calling Coach Bradley so that he could be here for his daughter.
That was until I reminded myself that none of this was my goddamn business.
Throwing myself into my Lamborghini, I sped all the way home. Even though I’d run from Tyra, my mind and heart were left behind, still in bed with her. Worry over the state she’d be in when she found me gone gnawed at me, but I forced myself to push it aside.
Not my problem. Not my fucking problem.
“Where have you been?” my father greeted the moment I walked through the heavy iron doors. Despite the gray peppering his thinning hair and mustache and the wrinkles lining his pale skin, Franklin Rees put on an imposing display in his tailored suit. Perhaps it was the cruel set of his mouth that matched his cold gaze or the fact that at least a dozen armed guards surrounded him. He was standing in the foyer when I arrived, but I doubt he was waiting for me. In fact, I was sure he’d only just realized that I never made it home last night. I could have been wrapped around a tree as long as his precious gang was okay. My father didn’t give a damn about much else.
“I was out.” As you could see when I walked through the door.
“Your frequent and lengthy absences are starting to alarm me. Do I need to put a detail on you again?”
“Why ask as if I have a choice? Why care as long as I come back?”
As head of Thirteen, the largest and most notorious gang on the east coast, my father didn’t shy away from corporal punishment. To be honest, he reveled in it, which made my open defiance that much more stupid.
“Because I fear for the day when you dare not.”
“I’ve never kept my plans a secret from you. I’m leaving to play ball, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
“I could have one of my men break every bone in your body. What good would you be then to the head coach at the University of Southern California?” I could feel my blood draining from my skin as my father’s cruel grin spread. “Oh, yes, son. I know all about you accepting their offer. I’m curious why you chose them over Ohio State even though they had the better offer. Is it because you foolishly believed California was far enough to run from me?”
“Bones heal,” I said rather than answer his question. I didn’t believe it, but the west coast seemed my best shot at escaping my father. After all, my mother had done it. Only she hadn’t taken any chances and had left the goddamn country.
I hadn’t heard from her in years. Not a single phone call, a letter written, or a birthday card sent. Maybe she’s dead. The thought didn’t make me feel any better. Especially knowing that my father would likely be responsible.
“Perhaps,” he agreed in a way that left a lot of room for doubt.
“What good would I be to you if you caused permanent damage? Who’d follow me if I couldn’t walk or even lift a spoon to feed myself?”
“Your cock would still work,” he coldly replied, “and my dynasty would be ensured.”
I felt ice