I jumped to my feet and motioned for the staff to disappear. The maid melted out of the room, but the butler refused to move when I shot him a look.
“I’m sorry, Max, but I think it’s time for you to go.” God, I didn’t want him to see this. It was like having my dad show up at school drunk. Only worse.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Max stood up and moved to stand behind me as the sitting room door was thrown open.
“There’s my lil’ girl. All cozy in here, playin’ woman of the house.” My father swayed into the door frame. “Who da hell is he? Another boy toy, eh? ’Cause that worked out so well for you las’ time.”
“Father, you’ve met Prince Maxwell, remember?” I kept my voice even and calm, despite the shaking of my hands. There was no hiding the way the blood drained out of my face. Bringing up Marty’s father was a low blow. It had been a while since my father had been this drunk, and that time I’d almost broken my arm when he threw me out of the house.
“Don’t remember no such thin’,” he said.
“He brought me from England.” I didn’t mention Marty and prayed that he was safe in his room.
“I don’ care.” He pointed at me. “I care that you’re actin’ all high-and-mighty. I’m the duke of this manor. Ain’t no duchess here.”
“I’m just helping you plan the funeral.” I kept my voice low but never broke eye contact.
“You’re tryin’ to cut me out! You think you’re gonna take over? I’ll show ya.” He might be drunker than a skunk, but he moved faster than a football player. With two giant steps forward he swung his right arm at my face and would have made contact if Max hadn’t stepped forward.
Pulling me back against his chest, Max let Father stagger past us before letting me go and pinning my father’s arms.
“Let me go, ya bas’ard.” Father struggled uselessly.
I sucked in a deep breath, my composure cracking. It had been years since he had hit me, but I still remembered that moment with fear. It felt like someone had broken my face and I had thought my eyeball would explode. My cheek had been swollen for weeks. The bruises had taken forever to fade and I’d had to lie to all of my friends.
“That’s enough.” Max’s words rang with authority. “Stop struggling or I will have you escorted to the jail.”
“This is my home, you stupid git.”
“And I’m a prince of this country. Who do you think the police will listen to?”
“Someone will listen to me!” Father’s movements turned sluggish. “Someone should but no one does.” Tears filled his eyes and I had to look away from him. I should feel pity for someone so out of control, but all I could muster was hate. And shame that Max had seen just how horrible my father really was.
“Easy now.” Max half dragged, half carried my father over to a chair. “I’m going to put you down now, but if you make any more trouble, I’ll have my bodyguard take care of you.”
I hadn’t even realized that a large man filled the empty doorway my father had just vacated.
“I jus’ wanna be left alone, ya hear me?” My father’s voice grew quiet before turning into a snore. I stood there for a moment, completely at a loss for how to handle what just happened.
“Are you okay?” One of Max’s hands gripped my shoulder with gentle fingers while the other lifted my chin so that he could look in my eyes.
I nodded my head but couldn’t hide the tears. I wasn’t a good enough actress after all. There was too much happening to and around me. I wasn’t strong enough.
“I—I’m fine.” I shook my head and his hand slid from my chin but he kept his grip on my shoulder. I couldn’t meet his eyes. I was so embarrassed for myself and my family. “Thank you for stepping in.”
His eyes searched my face, worry creasing his brow. I felt exposed, naked under his scrutiny. He had just seen my darkest secret.
With his free hand he reached up and brushed away a tear. “You’re not fine and I’m staying. You need the help and there’s no way I’m leaving you here with him.”
SIX
RAGE FLOWED THROUGH my veins, accompanied by the strong desire to protect Meredith. I stared down into her brimming eyes and fought my need to wrap her in my arms. It was hard, though, because she looked so delicate and frail. Nothing like the firecracker I had seen in the past.
“Thank you, but you really don’t have to stay. This isn’t the first—” She stopped and looked away from me. Her cheeks colored a delicate pink and my fury boiled just under the surface.