Chapter 30

ANGEL SINCLAIR.

I automatically push Bryan off the bed and he gets up, straightening his towel. I quickly put on my panties and my dress while Bryan whispers something I can't understand. My father knocks on the door again.

"Hi, James. I'll be right with you. My shower's had a problem and I've come to shower here," Bryan takes the initiative.

Meanwhile, I open the bedroom window that leads to the balcony and jump out. I can still see Bryan tidying up the bed, then he throws my heels out of the window. My heart feels like it's going to burst out of my mouth.

Leaning against the balcony wall, right next to the window, I hear Bryan finally open the door for my father.

"Sorry, it was the only bathroom in the house that I thought I could use," he says.

"It's okay, no problem. Have you seen Angel?" asks my father.

"I saw her go out, but I didn't want to be invasive and I didn't ask where she went," Bryan replies, brushing me off.

"Right, I'll call her. Your mother's in the kitchen taking some headache medicine, because it's been a long trip."

"I can imagine. Well, I'm going to my room".

"Okay, tomorrow I'll ask our electrician to fix your shower," my father says.

"Right," replies Bryan.

I tiptoe out of the balcony carrying my heels and since Madison is in the kitchen, I sneak up to my bedroom floor. I breathe a sigh of relief as soon as I reach my room and pick up my cell phone to urgently text Bryan.

"Find a way to support Dad and Madison in the kitchen, quick!" I type.

Bryan sees the message and I put on my heels. A few minutes later, I arrive in the kitchen smiling and with the cleanest face in the world. Bryan looks at me a little incredulously and I join them at the table.

"I'm so glad you're here, this house was so empty," I say.

"I've been missing you, daughter," says my father, hugging me from the side, "A few days away and I already miss you," we laugh, "Where were you?" he asks.

"I've just come back from a dinner at the McKays'. Liam is spending a few days here and invited me," I say.

"That's great! I'm delighted. Liam has always liked you very much," my father says.

"And I like him," I reply.

The look on Bryan's face has changed. His jaw is clenched and his face is closed. Well, it wasn't in my plans to tell him anything, but since he's here, he'll know. And what's wrong with that? I don't see any reason why he should have made that face that I'm probably the only one who noticed.

"And I'm lost in conversation. I don't know who Liam is or who the McKays are," Madison says.

"They're good people with great charisma, sweetheart. I can introduce you soon," my father says.

"I'd love to," she smiles.

Bryan gets up and walks out of the kitchen without saying a word. I spend a few minutes chatting with my dad while he tells me a bit about the trip and my grandparents. I try to cut Madison out of the conversation at times and I think she's noticing. It's been a long time since I've had a quiet conversation with my dad and she needs to understand that she doesn't have to get involved in everything.

"We can take another trip to their house," I say, "both of us."

Madison swallows dryly, getting uncomfortable with the conversation. My father doesn't even notice. Women are much more observant than men.

"Sure, sure. We can go on your vacation. They miss you so much."

"If they weren't so homely, they could spend a few days here with us," I say.

"Yeah, but you know how reserved and quiet they are. They like their home and no other."

"That's exactly why I need to go with you next time, just like we used to," I say.

"We will, don't worry," my father smiles.

"Right, now I'm going to bed. I had a nice weekend, but tomorrow everything will be back to normal," I say, getting up.

"Good night, daughter. See you tomorrow."

"Good night, Dad."

I say goodbye to my father with a kiss on the cheek and head upstairs. As I turn the handle on my bedroom door, I'm pulled back. I find Bryan holding my arm and pinning me against the wall.

"What are you doing, Bryan?" I ask, looking at him angrily.

"Why didn't you tell me you were with another guy?" he asks.

"And since when do I owe you any satisfaction?", I retort, "Who do you think you are to put me against the wall like that?".

"You could be less of a bitch. Do you think I don't know you? You cheat on your father, but not on me. You were going to have sex with me after giving it to another guy? That's slutty!" Bryan shouts.

I can't believe what I'm hearing. If I'd said Liam was gay, I'd have avoided all this. But deep down, I did want Bryan to feel threatened, and I'm glad he did. I'm glad he realized that I'm not at his mercy. I could victimize myself because he reacted so violently, but I'm not going to do that.

"What if I really did? What if you kissed my mouth after it had already passed through another place that isn't part of you? Answer me, Bryan. What are you going to do? We have nothing, baby. I don't know why you're so jealous," I reply, giving an evil little smile, "Don't get upset, I know I'm good at what I do. But don't forget that I'm single, and if I want to give it to you and ten other guys, I will, and in front of you, if possible".

Bryan lets me go with disdain and goes into his room, slamming the door.

He can't do anything if he sees something where there isn't one. If he's angry with me, I'll make him hate me.