“An even shorter one to twenty-five. That’s when Grandmother’s shares revert to me, yes?”
His eyebrow twitched—his single display of anger. “I wouldn’t rely on that. Go to the cove, marry whoever will take you, and attempt to not embarrass this family in the process. Your days of treating my home as a frat house are swiftly coming to an end.”
“Like I want to be anywhere near this house,” I snapped. “I’m here for Mom. End of. Whether it’s six years, eleven, or fifty, I will get us both out of this place.”
The colonel lifted his chin, the ghost of a smile taunting me. “You don’t have the power, money, or right to take my daughter from me, and if you wish to continue visiting her, you’ll watch your tongue. You’re nineteen now, Nathaniel. No one would question or blame me if I tossed you out on your rear and changed the locks. I should do so anyway. Vanessa is upset for days following your visits.”
“You’re confusing that with Mom’s naturally agitated state whenever she’s around you. It’s you she can’t stand, Pops.”
He flashed out, clamping down on my collar and hauling me in. He snarled into my eyes, constricting his grip tighter still.
“G-go on.” I chuckled. “Do it. Hit me.”
The muscle in his jaw ticced out of control, telling the lengths of his willpower. The colonel had never hit me, but more than once I saw he wanted to. The trouble was giving into his hatred would give me exactly what I wanted. I’d walk my bruises into the nearest police station and rip his reputation, spotless record, and daughter away from him. And he wouldn’t have a single ally on his side to stop me. The staff in this house had witnessed his treatment of me for years. Many of them were fired for getting in between us and standing up to him. If the truth came out, I’d have twenty-odd people behind me, confirming the great Colonel Orion Steele was nothing but a hateful bully.
Thankfully, or maybe unluckily for me, he wanted his good name more than finally putting me in my place.
He opened his grip, reclaiming the standard three feet of distance between us. “I am not one of the low-class brutes you’ve taken up with. I would never hit you, Nathaniel. We are years removed from that method of correction having an impact on you. As always, I will lead by example.”
The colonel backed away. “Keep your eyes on a man who didn’t sit idly by for wealth to be handed to him and built Steele Electrics from the ground up. Someone whose life isn’t stained by scandal or his reputation built on dubious charm or looks that will fade. Take a close look, Nathaniel, as I protect and care for my daughter the way your father should’ve.”
“Don’t talk about my dad!”
Grandpa smirked, reaching for the light. “Who is to stop me? You? Your bluster is just that.” He winked out, gloom blanketing us once again. “You have nothing, Nathaniel. You are nothing.” His voice faded. “But you are familiar with the door. Double bolt it when you leave.”
His fading footsteps rang in the hall long after he left. Turning away, I walked in the opposite direction, feet soundless on the carpet-lined hall and staircase. I came out on the second floor, walked three steps, and closed my hand on the knob.
I didn’t need light to find the drawing room. Or directions to the cabinet at the opposite end.
Pulling on the handles, the doors didn’t budge an inch. I moved to the side, pressed my elbow to the glass, and smashed it through. Pain exploded up my arm, but didn’t pull a wince out of me. The colonel wasted his time putting a lock on the liquor cabinet.
I blindly groped inside and pulled out the first bottle I laid hands on.
What the hell.
I pulled out a second and carried them up to my room. These days, one way or another, I didn’t sleep alone.
Chapter Four
“WELCOME TO CITRINE Cove, Miss Adler.” He reached in to help me out. “You’re right on time. The shuttle leaves in ten minutes for the villa. Your bags will be sent straight on, but you’re destined for a tour of the island. If you need anything from your suitcases, grab them now.”
I murmured a thank-you. We descended the staircase and I was struck by the same thought that overcame me as my plane circled the island for landing.