Execution (Off Balance 2)

"I said, no. I don't see anything wrong with her outfit. A little revealing, maybe, but if she can live on her own, she can pick out her own clothes and live with her choices. Do I think she looks like a slut? Not at all, not even close. I'd never allow my daughter to walk around looking like trash. I think she looks like a young, beautiful woman."

Staring at the floor, I smiled on the inside.

"What will our guests think of us with her walking around like that?"

"I'll go change," I said, my voice barely audible.

"No, you will not," Dad snapped at me. I flinched at the bark in his tone. He looked back at Mom. "If I remember correctly, you used to dress very similar."

"It's not the same. I wasn't a child."

Dad swirled his glass. "Joy, I'm not going to entertain you. This discussion is finished."

Mom's nostrils flared. She pushed her shoulders back and lifted her chin. If looks could kill, he'd be a pile of ash.

Hell, I'd have been one first.

"Ana?"

"Yes, Dad?"

"You're excused."

I hesitated, swallowing hard. I glanced back and forth between my parents. I didn't want to leave. More than anything, I was afraid of leaving because I had a sinking feeling she wasn't through with me yet.

"Go," he ordered. Xavier tugged me toward the door.

Turning the knob, I left my dad's office, and shut the door behind me with a soft click. I flipped my hair to the side, fighting back the tears that blurred my vision. Under normal circumstances, standing up for myself wouldn't faze me, I'd brush off their indifferences. But when it came to my mom, I couldn't do it. I couldn't brush it off because she was my mother and I loved her and I wanted to make her happy.

"Hey," Xavier said softly. I couldn't look at him. I was too embarrassed. I wasn't as strong as I perceived myself to be. He crouched down to get in my line of view, and I chuckled sadly. "We may live miles and miles apart, but I'll always have your back. Don't ever let anyone speak to you like that, not even Mom. Stand up for yourself."

I nodded. Easier said than done.

"I'm almost sorry for encouraging you to wear that dress now," Xavier continued. "I didn't expect Mom to act that way. I mean, I knew she would flip a lid, but it never occurred to me she'd call you names and take it as far as she did. For that, I'm so sorry."

I looked away.

"Hey." He pushed, his voice full of concern. "She doesn't usually talk to you like that, does she?"

"She's never called me a slut, but you’ve seen how she treats me, how she’s picked on my weight, what I wear, how gymnastics is a joke to her and I should be doing what she does. I never do anything right in her eyes. I guess it was a matter of time before she took it a step further."

Xavier's gaze fell deadly. He stood and pulled me into a hug. He pressed a brotherly kiss to the top of my head.

"From now on, you better tell me when something happens, and I'll take care of it. Watching her insult you like that really has my blood boiling. It's wrong and I don't fucking like it."

I half-smiled against his chest. My big brother being protective was adorable.

"I can take care of myself, you know."

"I know you can, but you're my little sister, and that's what I'm here for."

I nodded and pulled back, drawing in a comforted sigh, and stiffened when that all too familiar scent drifted past me.

I knew that smell. I knew it well. Too well, in fact.

My stomach quivered, anticipation rose inside me. Kova was nearby, and as much as I wanted to find him, I knew deep down I couldn't. Avery's words echoed like a blow horn in my head. "Don't make it obvious." My chest tightened, but I heeded her advice. I had to. He'd be with Katja.

Chapter Thirteen