Broken kingdom

Chapter 33 Oakley

“I know you care about her, Oak,” my dad states. “But you need to move on. You might not realize it yet, but there’s only one way this story ends.” 

I place some Cheerios in a bowl for C.J. Given she had a meltdown last time, I decided to keep them in stock at my apartment. 

“And how’s that?” 

His expression is solemn. “With your heart getting smashed.” 

C.J. gives me a cheesy grin when I hand her the bowl. 

“She’s marrying another guy,” my dad points out like I’m not all too aware of that fact. “Not to mention, you know how the Covingtons are.” 

I don’t follow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Jason Covington knows how to be a shark when he wants to be. It’s why he’s so successful. I wouldn’t put it past him to file a lawsuit and sue for damages for his daughter.” He shrugs. “Will he win? Of course not, because he’d be going against me and I’d nail his goddamn balls to the judge’s bench. But it doesn’t mean it won’t be tedious and a pain in the ass to deal with.” 

My dad is one of the smartest men I know, but personal injury attorney he is not. “If the Covingtons were go

When he starts to protest, I say, “We live in California, Dad. You only have six-months to sue for damages after a car accident.” Inhaling a breath, I add, “Or one year from the date the injury was first discovered.” 

Both of which have passed. 

I’d be lying if I said a small part of me wasn’t hoping they’d sue my sorry ass…but they never did. 

He looks impressed. “Okay, fair enough…but still.” 

A

“She’s getting married to a guy who isn’t you. Therefore, she has no business coming around you and screwing with your head.” 

Christ almighty. Here we fucking go. 

“She’s not.” 

He pins me with a look that makes it clear he doesn’t believe that for one second. 

“She’s lost.” A

Because that’s what my girl does. 

She fights just as hard as she loves. 

And that side of her is still in there…she just has to tap into it. 

He scrubs a hand down his face and exhales. “I know you care about her. And yes, she’s very beautiful, I’ll give her that. But that’s exactly what makes her the kind of woman who will leave you with nothing once she’s decided she’s bored with you and kicks your ass to the curb.” 

I know he’s speaking from personal experience, but he’s got it all wrong. 

Even at her worst, Bianca still gave a fuck about the people she loved. She wouldn’t intentionally hurt them, let alone throw them away like garbage. 

She’s not a potential trophy wife with her eye on her future husband’s bank account like my dad’s making her seem. 

“She’s not Crystal.” 

“I didn’t say that.” 

“She’s not Mom either,” I hiss. 

He grimaces. “What makes you so sure about that?” 

“Because I fucking know her,” I roar. “And I’m getting real fucking tired of you acting like I’m some goddamn little boy instead of a grown man who can handle his shit.” 

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I just don’t want you walking down the same path I did.” 

I know he’s scared and wants to spare me from that potential pain because he loves me. 

But this is my life. Therefore, seeing her is my fucking decision. 

Not his. 

“Uh-oh,” C.J. calls out. 

The moment I look her way she takes the bowl of Cheerios and dumps it over her head. 

Then she grins. 

I can’t help but laugh. “Guess you didn’t want any more of those, huh?” 

My dad scoops her up and puts her in his lap. “We have to get going anyway.” He covers her ears. “Crystal will lose her shit if I’m late dropping her off.” 

I wince. “How’s the custody battle going?”

“Let’s just say if there was a town called petty-ville Crystal would be the mayor of it.” He groans. “She’s requesting twenty grand a month in alimony and child support…along with sole custody.” 

Jesus fucking Christ. The money is one thing, but not letting him have any rights to his own kid? 

 “That’s fuck—” Catching myself, I mutter, “Fudged up.” 

“Tell me about it.” He uncovers C.J.’s ears and rubs his nose against hers. “Mommy doesn’t realize who’s she’s messing with and that nothing’s go

C.J. starts giggling right before she blows raspberries on his forehead. “Dada.” 

Taking a wipe out of her diaper bag, he cleans his face. “You still going to meetings every day?” 

Haven’t missed one yet and I don’t plan to. 

“Yup. I catch one before work.” 

He stands. “Good.” He looks at C.J. “Say bye to your brother.” 

 “Bye-bye.” She makes grabby hands for me so I lean down. “Love, Uh-oh.” 

Jesus. This freaking kid. “Love you, too.” 

Before I can stop her, she finds an abandoned Cheerio in her dress and sticks it in my mouth. 

I try not to laugh but fail. I wouldn’t put it past her to start a restaurant when she grows up. This way she can feed people whenever she wants. 

“Thanks for the snack, C.J.,” I mumble as I walk them out. 

My dad stops short when we reach the front door. “Oak?” 

“Dad?” 

His gaze snaps to mine. “I know I’m giving you a lot of shit about talking to her, but I just want the best for you…and I really don’t think she’s it.” 

With that, he walks out. 

A tight knot forms in my chest. He’s wrong. 

Reaching inside my t-shirt, I pull out the St. Christopher pendant and feather that belong to her. 

Bianca Covington was the best thing that ever happened to me... 

And I fucked it all up.