Don't Dare a Diamond (Must Love Diamonds 5)

“Looks to me like you’re still making the same bad choices. I would’ve thought you’d learned your lesson by now.”

White-hot heat speared through her at his words. She couldn’t believe he would throw that in her face in front of Reyes—in front of anyone. It had been years ago. She’d been eighteen and naïve. She had learned her lesson, which is why she knew what she and Reyes had was different.

Her gut clenched when she saw him frowning at her, and she shook her head at her dad. “That’s not fair.”

“I don’t give a damn what you think is fair.” He pointed to the door. “Put your clothes on and go pack your stuff. We’re going home.”

Disbelief spiked her anger. “I’ll go home when I’m ready.”

His furious brown gaze bored into hers. “Are you having any more trouble with the jump?”

“No. I told you, Reyes helped me work through it and—”

“Then you’re ready. Besides, it’s time you got back to competing. There’s an event in New York in two weeks. I have you all signed up.”

She blew out an irritated breath. “You should’ve asked me first.”

“Why? This is your job. You need to get back to it.”

“You’re the one who made me come here, so don’t blame me for being away.” She stole a glance at the still silent Reyes and then faced her dad once more. “I don’t want to leave yet.”

“Because of him.”

Yes. Him, and so much more. “Because it’s my life. You’re my dad, not my boss.”

He gestured to the door as if he hadn’t even heard her. “Go pack, Raine. Now. I will meet you at the guest house after I’ve spoken with Mr. Torrez.”

“No.” She crossed her arms. “And I’m not going to New York, either.”

He stared at her for a long moment, his frustration palpable. “Who the hell do you think pays for everything? As long as my name is on the checks, you will do as I say.”

“Fine, then I quit.” The moment the words left her mouth, shock reverberated through her system. Her stomach fell like a lead balloon. Where had that come from? She’d always pushed back to some extent, but usually gave in after token protest.

Her dad’s dark eyebrows shot toward his hairline. “Excuse me?”

A few simple words would take it back.

No.

Not this time. This is too important.

The eye-opening revelation slammed home. Nothing had ever felt this momentous. For once, she knew exactly what she wanted—Reyes—and she wasn’t backing down.

A flood of relief buoyed her heart with joy and shored up her determination. She breathed deep, then lowered her arms and squared her shoulders while meeting her father’s gaze. “I said, I quit. I’m done with competing. No more events. Find someone else to boss around, because I’m done.”

Her dad gaped at her in shock. “What about the Olympics?”

Uncertainty skipped her pulse, but then it steadied. If giving up the Olympics was what it took to be with Reyes, so be it.

“Raine,” her dad implored, “You can’t do this.”

“Watch me.” And she marched out of the apartment to cross the lawn in nothing but Reyes’ shirt.

20

Reyes stared dumbfounded as Raine swept from the room. She didn’t mean that. No way could she just give it all up. In fact, he was pretty sure she hadn’t meant to say something so drastic at first—he’d seen the surprise on her face before she’d doubled down.

“This is your fault.”