You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 168

Easton

It's a rare day where I'm at home with just Dad, texting Harper and begging her to come visit so I can fuck her in my pool.

I'm not even ashamed to admit my actual text was — come to my house so I can fuck you in my pool.

She has to study for a test, so I upped it and said, pool and hot tub.

I have an hour before she can even attempt to get here, and I'm bored out of my mind, not because I'm not fucking, but because all I can think about is her and college, which stresses me out so much I'm useless when it comes to anything else.

Somehow, I find myself downstairs in the kitchen staring into the fridge like it's going to magically shit out food for me when my dad's voice sounds.

I jump a foot.

"Seriously? At least announce yourself.

"So, my hard footsteps against the marble floors weren't enough?" I shut the fridge and shoot him a glare.

“Or my heavy breathing? Or the fact that I said your name at least three times while you stared into the fridge like it was Heaven and you were a few seconds away from following the tiny light?" "Very funny.” I run my hands down my face.

"Sorry, it's been a long day.’ "Same"

Dad pulls out a barstool and sits.

I can tell he’s not joking as he tugs on his black tie then pulls it off all the way only to shrug out of his suit jacket.

"I had to defend an innocent person who's now going to jail all because sometimes even the law can't save you.

He has two kids under four, and his wife's all on her own now.."

Dad shakes his head.

"Son, sometimes life isnt fair.” "No"

I agree.

"It isn't.” He leans onto the countertop.

"Want to talk about it?” "My feelings?” I state.

"No, not really.

blurt everything out then start crying like a little

handbook they gave us when you

Dad deadpans.

funny.” Dad pulls

least three years?" "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that just like I'm going

doesn't make eye

bad things happen when you

"Noted"

"Anyway.."

gets up and sure as shit goes to the fridge, grabs two beers, hands me

this is the part

me? Is he going to use puppets again? Am I going to be scarred for life? Or is

I mean.

Fuck.

we sit

open mine, and sip it while giving him side—eye that says, spit it out before we awkwardly start talking about the weather or baseball, how ‘bout those

to last me an eternity, so I really don't

on your

the hot tub, I won't ever go in for the rest of my existence” I hide

"I'm going to Stanford"

couldn't be more proud.” He slaps me on

Hell,

about all his accomplishments, the clubs he was a part of; it's

honors, take over the law firm he started and work with your

for you, son,

as I sit there, it feels

It feels wrong.

taking a left when I should be taking a

dont like this

like I can tell him that I'm apprehensive, that

thinking of changing his entire plan and my trajectory because of

Fucking, MINE.

"Yeah.."

My voice sounds uncertain.

"Yup, sure do.” He finishes his

now or keep lying out of your ass?" "Son of

"Language"

empty can down and faces

"I love