Chapter Twelve
Lara
“Which hand told you about it, Daddy?” I ask, feeling betrayed by someone back home. It’s silly because none of them owe me a hint of their loyalty over my father.
“Who else?” As soon as he utters those words, I know the answer. Of all the people to snitch on me, it’s going to be the one person with motive, a vendetta of sorts.
“David, I bet,” I huff.
“You’re absolutely correct on that one.”
“Seriously. Of all the people, it had to be him. He’s only doing it because I wouldn’t go with him to the county fair dance last summer.”
“It doesn’t matter why or even if it’s just because he saw it and it’s the right thing to do. You hid your relationship from your parents.”
“Because I knew you’d freak out. I didn’t date in high school for this reason. Besides, the boys in school weren’t all that great anyway.”
“So, this Landon character…tell me more about him.”
“Well, he’s really smart, successful.”
“Yeah, that I gathered given that he’s a self-made billionaire, but what makes him special to you—or do you feel trapped in the relationship, because from what I gathered, he seems rather controlling.”
“Please. Just as controlling as you are with Mom. He worries about me, but honestly, I still hang out with Kelly and Tobias, go to class, and then spend the rest of my free time with Landon. He’s a busy and wealthy man, so I have a personal bodyguard who technically I spend more time with. He’s an asshat, though,” I say with a giggle, wondering if Danny can hear me.
“Really? Is he rude to you?”
“No, I’m just playing. It’s like having another brother around. He’s extremely protective, making sure no one is bothering me and that I get to where I need to be without any danger. Seriously, Landon takes security to the highest levels. Then again, I guess it is his business.”
“Good.”
“Where’s Mom?”
“She’s taking a nap. It’s been a long morning for her. She’s been cooking and cleaning.” And I don’t want to know what else. Even though they’re older, they still mess around like they’re a new couple.
“Okay. I’m not even going there. I love you both, but I need to get out of here. I’m supposed to meet Kelly for a study session since Landon’s got a bunch of work to do for the next six hours.”
“Have fun, and stay safe.”
“I will. I have a guard dog looking after me to make sure I don’t even get a paper cut.”
“Really?”
“No, I’m sure he’d probably laugh if I did.”
“Sounds like a brother to me.”
“Yep, until I kick him in his nuts.”
“He’s not going to be nice to you. He might let you find yourself in trouble with the law again.”
“It’s okay. Landon will get me out of trouble anyway. He seems to want to keep me around.”
“I’m starting to wonder about the sanity of that man.”
“Me too.” I giggle and end the call with an “I love you.”
I pop off Landon’s chair and walk out of his office, waving to his assistant who lifts her head from her computer screen. “I’m leaving for the day, Miss Williams.”