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.

mean, what happens if I just blurt everything out then start crying like a

parenting handbook they gave

Dad deadpans.

Dad

the part where I say I'm underage like a good little boy and refuse to admit the fact that I've consistently been having parties and raiding your liquor cabinet for at least three years?" "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that just like I'm going to pretend you arent

make eye

connected to the cloud son, bad things happen when you

"Noted"

"Anyway.."

as shit goes to the fridge, grabs two beers, hands me one, and says, "Let's

the part where every

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

I mean.

Fuck.

we sit down in

side—eye that says, spit it out before

awkward conversations with my dad to last me an eternity, so

on your

in for the rest of my existence” I hide my grimace behind the beer and take another

"I'm going to Stanford"

more proud.” He slaps me on

you're nervous? Hell, I was

the clubs he was a part of; it's intimidating, I get it, but you'll be

honors, take over the law firm he started and work

all set out for you, son, like the smoothest drive you'll ever

as I sit

It feels wrong.

taking a

dont like

him that

my trajectory because of

Fucking, MINE.

"Yeah.."

My voice sounds uncertain.

sure do.” He finishes his

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

"Language"

his empty can down and faces

going on?" "I love her”