Chapter 27
Chapter twenty-seven
Sebastian
It's a good thing I'm not hooked to a heart monitor, because it would be blaring in the emergency room.
My heart is racing, and I keep cursing my father in my mind. I know this is his doing. He mentioned it when he spoke with my Daddy.
A test.
I just didn't imagine it would include bringing Aziel in front of my Daddy. I should have known.
Contrary to what it may look like, I'm not worried about Aziel seeing me with Daddy.
What I'm panicking about is my Daddy seeing Aziel again after all this time.
What if he realizes he still has feelings for him?
What if he's one of those guys who can never let go of their first love? What if he leaves me because of Aziel?
My vision blurs as tears threaten to fall, but I grind my teeth and refuse to let them fall.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Daddy asks.
He takes my hand back in his and touches my cheek gently.
I'm scared to look at him. What if I see something I don't want to?
"Look at me Sebastian."
Nope. I can't.
I'll fucking stab my father for what he did.
"Boy, look at me." Daddy's voice is hard. A command.
And I look. The second I see his beautiful eyes I sigh deeply. There's worry there, but there's also the same tenderness as before.
"I'm sorry I fought with Aziel, and he left. Is this why you're upset?"
"No." Hell no.
"What is it? Tell your Daddy, and I'll take care of it."
My lower lip trembles, and I throw my arms around my Daddy. I just need a hug. One hug, my Daddy's arms around me, and everything will be okay.
"I want to go home," I whisper.
"Let me check with the doctor for your test results, and we'll go home."
I shake my head, "Don't go."
"I'll be right back, and then we'll go home, boy."
"I want to go to your place," I say instead.
"Then we will. Whatever you want."
"Thank you, Daddy."
He leaves to search for the doctor, and I pull out my phone, anger fueling me with every passing second.
Me: I'll find a way to get back at you. Watch your back, old man.
Dad Killer: Oh, so now I'm an old man, huh?
Dad Killer: I knew you'd be fine, son. And you know me. I had to make sure Ezrah would choose you.
Dad Killer: Did he?
I start to write a response, but stop short.
Did Daddy choose me or did he stay because he just hates Aziel? Does he still love my brother?
Me: I promise, I'll fucking stab you the next time I see you.
Dad Killer: I can't wait. Love you too, son.
I huff, feeling completely drained. It doesn't help that my head is pulsing like there's a rock concert happening in there.
I brighten when Daddy returns.
"You're all clear to go."
"Fuck, yes. Let's go."
Daddy helps me out of the bed, hovering over me as I sign the discharge papers. He keeps a hand on my waist as he guides me to his car and even helps me into the seat, going as far as to buckle my belt.
"Be careful, Daddy. I may like it too much," I say once he's behind the wheel.
"Like what, boy?"
"You taking care of me," I admit.
"Good. You should like it, because it's exactly what I'll do."
I melt right there on the spot.
"I messaged Ethan to tell him what happened. He gave us a few days off work."
"Both of us?"
Daddy gives me a weird look.
"Of course, both of us. I'm not leaving you alone."
Dear heart, I'm the luckiest man alive.
For now, I feel calm, and I manage to push thoughts of my brother to the back of my mind. I close my eyes for the short drive back to Daddy's place.
It's not the first time I've had a concussion, so I know the drill. Besides, it isn't as bad as some of the other times. In two days, I'll be completely back to normal.
When we arrive, Daddy helps me out of the car. But when I take a step forward, he stops me and swoops me in his arms.
"Whoa. Daddy, what are you doing?"
"I'm taking care of my boy."
He strides forward with me in his arms, bridal style. I hide my smile in his chest and cling to him.
How is he so perfect?
Some days, I still can't believe he's mine.
Once we're in his apartment, he positions me on the couch, drapes a blanket over me, and brings me water to drink. When he settles next to me and hugs me, I can sense there's some question coming. I'm not looking forward to it.
"Can I ask you something?" I nod, waiting for whatever he's about to say next. "What happened when Aziel came to the emergency? You were distraught, this much I could tell. But I couldn't read you."
I sigh and bite my lip, scrambling to think of an answer. In the end, I decide to be honest.
"I was worried and afraid," I admit.
"About what?"
Daddy starts playing with my hair, and I relax a bit.
"About you seeing your ex-husband for the first time since you divorced."
I hold my breath as I wait for his response. His hand on my hair freezes, and I worry I'm right to fear it.
"There's more you're not telling me."
He looks me in the eyes and waits patiently. The next words just spill out of me.
"What if seeing Aziel again brings back feelings? What if seeing him is all it takes for you to realize you still love him? What if I'm doomed to always be second to him and share a space in your heart with the ghost of my brother?"
What I don't say is the question I fear the most… what if you choose Aziel when you see all of me and learn about all that I've done?
"Hey, look at me," Daddy says softly, guiding my gaze back to his with a gentle hand on my chin. "Thank you for telling me this. Now I want you to listen carefully."
My heart hammers, and I stay still as I wait for his next words.
"Seeing Aziel again didn't bring back buried emotions because there are no buried ones. I let go of him and all the emotions I had a long time ago. There's nothing left. Well, maybe there's still anger, but nothing more. I don't love your brother, Sebastian. Not anymore."
Hope.
That's what takes root in my heart and starts to expand. I know it's a dangerous thing, but I can't help it.
"You're not doomed to be second to him, Sebastian. There's no ghost you have to share space with. And you know how I'm so certain about that?"
"How?" I ask in a low voice.
Daddy takes my hand and places it over his heart.
"Because Aziel doesn't have a place in my heart. Not even a corner. But you? With every passing day, you're claiming more and more pieces of me."
The tears I was holding back fall, and I launch myself at Daddy.
I want it all.
Every part of his heart.
All mine.
Just like every part of me is his.