The Predator [Part One] by Brooke May

Author:Brooke May [May, Brooke]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-12-13T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

I WANT TO burrow my way into Chamberlain’s safe arms. “You can do this. Be brave.” He squeezes me assuredly and passes me to my father.

I take his offered hand and watch as Chamberlain returns to our table.

This can’t be good.

The last time I danced with my father was seven years ago on my twelfth birthday.

Another Sinatra song starts as my father and I begin to move. For the first part of the dance, I’m nervous and tense, waiting for him to speak. It isn’t until the song draws closer to the end that he speaks.

“I never thought I would be this disappointed in you, Katherine.” I bristle at his tone but do my best to hide it. “You couldn’t behave and bring a reasonable date. You had to go bring that thug with you.”

“His name is Chamberlain, and he isn’t a thug.” Like you.

“I don’t care. You are to stop this nonsense and get your act together.”

“No.” I rip myself from his hold and step back. “I will not let you control me anymore. It is cruel to try to force something, including a lifestyle, on anyone. You forced my education, Timothy, and expectations on me. I’ve had enough. When will you understand I am not the person you want and never will be?” I stare into his cold, empty eyes and see nothing changing. Shaking my head, I turn around and make my way back to Chamberlain.

We are leaving.

“What’s wrong?” Chamberlain springs to his feet when he finds me stomping toward him. The loud clack of my heels sounds over the music.

“That man …” I make non-intelligible sounds and then huff. “I want to leave. Now.”

“Anything, Katie.” Chamberlain has me almost to the main doors when my mother steps in to stop us.

“Katherine Carrie, you turn yourself around and get back in there to support your father.”

My temper goes from boiling hot to volcanic. I take a menacing step toward her, much like the way Chamberlain moves to his opponent in the ring. “No more.” My growl is low. She can’t put the blame on me for making a scene; this is on her. “I will not. I am done. I’ve been done with trying to be who you two want. I want this.” I gesture to myself and then grab Chamberlain, jerking him to me. “I want him. Please learn to accept it.”

I do my best to control myself when we walk past her. I won’t make it look like she is the victim. As we are waiting for the car, I’m relieved my mother or father doesn’t come out. They are probably pretending everything is just fine in their little family, and more than likely making up a story of why I left.

It finally, truly sets in that I have no family. I was born into this world a pawn, a tool to advance a stupid name; I was born unloved and unwanted.

Chamberlain drapes his arms over my shoulders, pulling me to him. “Ignore them, Katie.

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