The door buzzes a moment later, and I step back. One of the female officers steps over and pats me down. After that I walk through a metal detector and another body scan. In all honesty I’m a bit surprised my dad even lets me come here to see him. His lawyers have been fighting for bail, but that isn’t going to happen. They think he’s a flight risk and they’re right—he is.
Walking down the long white hallway, a lump forms in my throat. I can’t help but think about my dad in this place and how he may never get out of here. I have no idea what I will do then, but I can’t stay behind the walls of the family estate for the rest of my life.
Another buzz sounds before the last door swings open, and then I smile. I walk past the guards and go straight to my dad on the other side of the room. He stands from the round table and engulfs me in a tight hug. I rest my head on his chest, willing myself not to cry. As much as he can drive me crazy, I love him. This hug right now and the one I’ll give him before I leave are the only times we’re allowed to touch.
“Missed you, sugar.” His voice is raspy, but it’s a comfort to my heart.
“Missed you too, Dad.” He kisses the top of my head before we break apart and sit down at the table. “How are things?”
“Same old shit. Nothing new to report. How are your classes?” He quickly changes the subject off himself, because he doesn’t like to involve me in his business.
I enrolled in some online courses so I wouldn’t go out of my mind while I was at the estate. “They're fine. Any update from your lawyer?” If he can change the subject, I can change it right back.
“You don’t need to think about things like that.” It’s way too late for that.
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. I think his response would be so different if I were his son instead of his daughter. Then again, I’m not sure if I want to be a part of this life more than I already am.
Peeking over at the table next to us, I see a couple having a hushed fight. Today is the busiest I’ve ever seen it, but that’s probably because it’s the weekend. I don’t know if it’s all the people in this room or that I don’t have a bunch of men hanging around guarding me, but my stomach is nervous.
It feels like someone is watching me, and when I turn my head, I see him. Cold blue eyes are focused on me, and I’m too stunned to look away. The muscled man makes no effort to hide that he’s staring at me, and I can’t look away. He’s got dark, tanned skin with tattoos that mark up his arms and disappear under the navy-blue prison uniform. He’s so big, it looks like he’s sitting on a child's seat instead of a regular-sized chair. Another man sits across from him saying something, and although the prisoner nods, he hasn’t taken his eyes off me.
“Sienna, are you listening to me?”
“What?” I jerk my attention back to my dad, and he smiles softly. He always teases me that I get lost in my own head.
“Did you think about the Espositos’ offer?”
“Not really.” I try not to grimace.
“I thought you liked Carlo.”
“I mean, he was nice the few times I met him.” I don’t think being nice is a good enough reason to marry someone, but I don’t say that to my dad. Plus, everyone is always nice to me because of who he is.
“He would be faithful to you.”
“Because he wanted to, or out of fear?” I’m surprised to find myself challenging my dad.
My eyes flicker back to the blue-eyed man. He’s no longer staring in my direction, and a weird disappointment curls inside of me. Clearly, I’ve been isolated for too long because I’m trying to get the attention of a ruggedly handsome convict.
“Does it matter?” he asks. “He would be loyal to you, and he comes from a good family.”
I hate that he’s pushing this, and it scares me. Does he think he’s never getting out of here and now he needs to find me lifelong protection?
“Dad. I know you’re only bringing up marriage because you’re worried about me, and I get that. But I just can’t. I want to be with someone who loves me, and not out of obligation.” I smile softly and shrug. “You can blame yourself for that one.” Then I touch my locket to drive home my point. The way he always speaks of Mom is what I want from a husband. I want him to be loyal to me because he wants to be and because I’m his entire world.