Pretty and Reckless by Charity Ferrell Page B

decided I was going to help people like him. It might’ve been too late to save him, but I could help someone else during their fight, and let them know things will get better. If I could save a life, that’s what I was going to do. I wasn’t going to let his death mean nothing.”
    “Wow,” I said, gazing up at him. This man, he was one of the sweetest, down-to-earth guys I knew. Actually, he was the only good guy I knew. “You’re a really good guy.”
    He took a bite from an egg roll and pointed to me. “Eat.”
    I picked at my chow mien. “I’m sorry about your brother.”
    “Thank you. He was a great guy. You would’ve liked him.”
    “Was he cute?” I asked, perking up, and getting him to crack a smile.
    He chuckled, shaking his head at me. “If you think I’m cute, then you would’ve thought he was.”
    “Oh yeah, twins. Maybe he would’ve shared his sex stories with me, since his boring brother won’t.”
    “Oh, you would’ve scared the shit out of him. Your beauty would've transfixed him. I’m sure he wouldn’t have been able to mutter three words to you.”
    “What about you? Do you think I’m pretty?”
    “I think you’re a beautiful woman.” My insides gleamed, causing me to blush. “Inside and out,” he added.

CHAPTER TWELVE

 
    ELISE

 
 
    “How have you been?” My dad asked me from across the table. He’d insisted we go out to dinner in the city. We needed to show everyone I was a better person and I wasn’t out causing chaos. The world also needed to know that we got along and had a healthy relationship. He was tired of being questioned about me. He wanted the focus on him and his companies, not on whether I was on my latest rehab stint or dancing on a bar without a top on.
    “Good,” I replied, playing with the napkin in my lap. I ignored the nosy stares, restraining myself from flipping off every nosey diner staring our way. We were at a five-star restaurant, but that didn’t mean people had manners and minded their own business. It was actually worse. Wealthy people loved their juicy gossip.
    “I heard you’re going to therapy? I thought you hated therapy?”
    “I figured I’d try something different,” I said, shrugging my shoulders and taking a drink of water. I knew he’d find out I’d been visiting Wendy’s office. I wasn’t sure how he managed to track my every move, but it annoyed the shit out of me.
    “Good. I think that shows you’re starting to grow.” He took a drawl of wine. “Have you told her?”
    “No, I actually like her,” I snapped. “Don’t worry daddy, I’ll keep our secrets and your abuse close to my heart.”
    He looked at me baffled. “Abuse? What are you talking about? I’ve never abused you.”
    My fork banged loudly against my plate when I dropped it. “Are you kidding me?” I asked, my mouth going dry as a bitter taste formed. He was going to flip this around on me like he always did. Somehow, he’d manage to make it look like I’d wanted to be raped.
    He looked at me sternly. “Don’t you ever say that shit again,” he warned. “Do you hear me?” His lips pinched together while he tried to keep his composure in check. We had to look like the happy family that we’d never be. I glanced down at my barely eaten food. I couldn’t stand even looking at him. “Look at the life I’ve given you. Look at what you have. My money has sent you to get help in very expensive places. Look at the life I gave your whore mother. Everything I do, everything I’ve done, it’s been for you. I don’t ever want you to worry about money or working. I am a legacy and you will be, too. You’ve started moving forward, keeping your mouth shut, and I’m proud of you.”
    “And I haven’t done my part?” I sneered. “You wouldn’t even have a “legacy” if it weren’t for me doing the spread eagle to your scumbag associates.”
    “I greatly appreciate what you’ve done for this family.”
    “How sweet, you appreciate