“But.” He grew all stern again. “I think we really need to discuss Penn. I still think it’s your best option at this point.” Before she could feel any more deflated he went on, “Now I’m leaving tonight. I’ve got a plane to Boston to catch and I’ve got a big meeting with a few of the partners of a medical center out there, so we can’t talk now. I’m going out to the office to get a few things and I’ll be driving directly to the airport and I won’t be back for a few days. But when I get back, you and I are having a discussion. Including about him.” He pointed at Jai. “Damn, that is a big dog, Ari.”
“He was a birthday gift. From Charlie.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not crazy about the idea, but if it has to be a dog, at least he looks like a real dog and not one of those yappy things girls put in their purses.”
Ari grunted.
“And I like the name.” His smile warmed her right through, and she tugged on his arm like when she was little.
“Do you really need to go, Dad?”
“Don’t, Ari.” He shook his head impatiently. “On that note, when I get back we’re also going to talk about some things you said.”
Nodding numbly now, she couldn’t even muster a smile when he kissed her on the cheek. She watched, an ache in her chest, as he grabbed the small suitcase she hadn’t seen placed by the door and shrugged on his coat.
“See you in a few days.”
“Bye, Dad,” she whispered.
Ari was stared at the front door her dad exited in a pained daze. Finally, she heard the hiss of flames beside her; the heat licking her skin. She turned to stare up at Jai, his beautiful eyes capturing hers. She noted bright gold striations in his green irises that made his eyes glitter in the light. Ari had always considered her eyes to be her best feature—they were pretty unique. But Jai’s… Jai’s eyes were spectacular. Ari imagined she could gaze into them for hours at a time.
Jai crossed his arms over his chest and a deep frown gathered between his eyebrows. “You okay?”
Ari gave a little humorless laugh. She strolled into the living room, where she collapsed on the armchair that was still warm from her dad’s body. Jai followed her and she realized how comforted she was by his presence. She flushed, looking down so he couldn’t catch the thought in her eyes. He sat down on the couch across from her, and after a few minutes of him waiting patiently, Ari met his gaze. “Do you get along with your dad, Jai?”
Not really expecting an answer since so far Jai didn’t do the whole personal question thing, it surprised Ari to hear him snort. It was a bitter sound. “My dad’s name is Luca Bitar. In the world of jinn and the world of security, he’s known as a top gun. He’s the head of Bitar Security in Los Angeles and very successful and well respected. He’s married to Nicki Byrne Bitar, a born and bred female member of the Irish Ginnaye. They met when they were really young, when my dad was on assignment in Ireland. They fell madly in love and have three sons together. Two older than me, one younger. Some would say they had it all… but…”
Ari leaned forward, eager to learn all she could about him. This was the most he’d ever said about himself. “But?” she prompted quietly.
Jai offered her a bitter smile that made him look harder, older. “My mother came along. I never met her, but I’ve heard all about the damage she did. They’ve reminded me of it every day of my life. The Red King told you she was a succubus jinn—called a lilif—which is true. She’s one of the bad ones, Ari. When she seduces a human, she takes an essential part of their life force from them. It’s what she feeds on. But when she seduces jinn, it’s a little different. She made Luca think he loved her and she seduced him against his will. In doing so, she placed on him, for lack of a better word, an imprint. He knew afterward he didn’t love her, but it was as if she had taken a part of his soul, anyway. He couldn’t love Nicki the same way he had before. And they both knew it. Nicki tries not to blame Luca. When my mom turned up pregnant with me and left me on their doorstep, Nicki blamed me instead. So did Luca. And my half-brothers. The worst offender is Luca, though. He pretty much hates my guts.” He laughed, an unhappy sound that ripped at Ari. She wanted to reach for him. Take his hand. Comfort this man who had come so suddenly into her life, pretending to be some untouchable, uncaring being when there was clearly so much more to him. And that he shared something so personal with her made her feel privileged. “So I guess the answer is no. I don’t get along with my dad.” He leaned forward. His eyes drifted over her face and Ari didn’t know if it was wishful thinking or not, but she could have sworn his expression softened a little. “I know what it’s like to be disappointed in the man who is meant to be your father. Supposed to take care of you and support you. I know what it’s like to watch him turn his back on you too many times to count and leave you standing in the dust.”