Chapter Sixteen

 

Dominic

 

Faith’s parents welcomed me with open arms just like they did when I’d met them years ago. It was something I wasn’t used to. My mother was a loving woman, but I spent most of my time with my father who made sure I grew up skeptical and hard. Trusting people outside of my circle wasn’t an option, and it definitely wasn’t smart. The only real physical contact I got was when I was fighting or fucking. It was strange seeing how a normal family worked.

Faith’s mother cooked the meal and Faith and her father cleaned the dishes afterwards. My family always had hired help to do it all for us. I never gave much thought about it until now. They made everything look so easy.

Faith’s father dried the last dish and threw the towel at Faith’s head when her back was turned. “Hey,” she shrieked, jerking around. She picked up the towel and threw it back at him. He caught it and they both laughed.

“If it’s not the dish towels, it’s the dish soap. They know if they make a mess, they have to clean it up,” Faith’s mother said, laughing as she watched them.

Faith looked like her mother with the same blonde hair and blue eyes, but it was her father she took after. They had the same laugh. “Are they always like that?” I asked.

Vivian smiled over at me. “All the time. We’ve missed her so much.” She held up a hand. “But we also know she wanted to make a name for herself. She’s always had big dreams. We weren’t about to stand in her way. When she decided to move to New York it hurt, but I’m happy for her. It just kills me what Philip did to her. I’d love to smack him upside the head right now.”

“Don’t worry, your daughter did that for you,” I replied happily.

Faith and her father walked over and she sat down beside me on the couch. “We should play some cards. It’s kind of a tradition when I come home.”

Her father snorted. “She likes to take my money. The girl’s got some serious game.”

Intrigued, I looked over at her. “Oh yeah? What do you like to play?”

She winked. “Texas Hold’em.”

Harold stood and stretched. “Faith, why don’t you and your mother get the cards ready while Dominic and I go outside. I want to chat with him for a minute.”

Faith patted my leg. “Okay.” Then she leaned in close and whispered in my ear. “Good luck.”

Harold nodded toward the patio door and I followed him outside where he leaned against the bannister with his arms crossed so he could face me. He was in his mid-sixties and almost a head shorter than me with thinning gray hair. I wasn’t fooled though. Harold was a man who’d fight to the death for his daughter. I could see the protectiveness in his eyes.

“I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for my little girl. You have no idea how long I’ve wished for her to get away from that slime ball of a husband.”

I scoffed. “Trust me, I know.”

A sad smile spread across his face. “She deserves so much better.”

“That she does,” I agreed. “Now she has the money to do whatever she wants. Philip won’t be a problem for her anymore.”

He nodded. “Good. Maybe now I’ll get to see my daughter more often. He never wanted to come down here and visit. Faith was always too busy trying to get that firm where it is today. All that hard work down the drain.”

“Not really,” I said. “Yes, the firm might go under once what Philip did goes public, but Faith still has her skills. She wants to open up that restaurant she’s always wanted.”

His piercing brown eyes studied me. “You’re not going to hold her back, are you?”

“Never,” I answered truthfully. “Faith is free to do whatever she wants.”

By the smile on his face, that appeased him. “I knew I’d like you. Your sister was such a good friend to Faith. I consider her family.” He stepped toward me and held out his hand. “I consider you family as well. For everything you’ve done for Faith, I’m in your debt.”

I shook his hand. “I did it because I care about her.”

His eyes narrowed. “I can tell. I just hope it stays that way. My baby’s been burned once. I don’t want to see it happen again.”

“It won’t,” I promised.

He slapped a hand to my shoulder. “I’m going to hold you to that, son.”

Faith opened the door and waved us in. “You two about done? I’m ready to play.” She winked at us and shut the door.

Harold squeezed my shoulder. “I’m sorry about your father. I know you were there when it happened.”

I saw it all and it was a moment I’d never forget. We were in his office at the estate when he shot himself in front of me. I’d only been back to the estate a handful of times. It was where I grew up, but I couldn’t bring myself to stay there. That was why I made The Chateaux Hotel my home.

My throat grew thick and all I could do was nod. I hadn’t really spoken about my father to anyone, not even Faith. Harold cleared his throat and squeezed my shoulder once more. “I know I can’t replace your father, but if you ever want to talk or go fishing, or hell, just have a beer, I’m here for you. Just hop on your private jet and come down. Make sure to bring Faith while you’re at it.”

That made me smile. “Thanks, Harold. I can do that.”

We went inside and Faith already had the deck of cards and the poker chips on the kitchen table. She walked over and kissed me on the cheek. “Everything go okay?”

Harold winked at her and I smiled. “It went great. Let’s play.”