Glass Heart Hero: A Dark High School Romance by Lindsey Iler (read with me .TXT) 📗

place to hide behind the large plant outside of my father’s office.

“If you’re going to be taking over your parents’ business, you need to understand how things are done around here. There’s no room for error.” My father’s voice carries. A loud clatter rattles something on a hard surface. I know that sound. He’s slammed his fist on his desk. “You have one job, Tripp. Make sure it gets done.”

The door opens, and Tripp catches me trying to scurry down the hallway. “Delaney?”

“Oh, there you are. I was wondering if you were done with your match.” I hug him, hoping to hide my eavesdropping. “You took it easy on Father, right?”

“If you’re wondering if he let me win, I can happily tell you, he didn’t.” My father’s nearby voice startles me. “Why so jumpy?”

“Sorry, I think my blood sugar’s low. Feeling a little jittery,” I lie.

“Well, let’s go get a sweet treat for my sweet treat.” Tripp places his hand on my waist, guiding me through the foyer and into the kitchen. He barks an order at Ginger, which she takes in stride, hiding her eye roll until his back is to her.

With a sliced apple in hand, I sit in the dining room, watching the staff work. They set the table with military precision. By the time dinner is plated, my stomach is growling again. Bridgette is grinning at my father as if he’s hung the damn moon. She has no idea what she’s in store for.

“Did the apple help, sweetie?” Ginger asks as she pours me a cup of wine, customary in the Chambers’ household.

“It did, Ginger. Thank you. You can go.” Tripp shoos her away.

“That’s your future,” she whispers. “Make your decisions wisely.”

Ginger has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember. She saw my parents’ marriage through several separations and late-night arguments. If anyone knows what a marriage to a man like my father looks like, it’s her.

I offer her a sad smile. Tripp’s irritated eyes are directed at me. I’ve been caught.

“This is delicious,” I say as soon as I take the first bite, avoiding looking up. I know what will greet me.

“The chef is fantastic. I don’t think there’s anything he can’t whip up,” Bridgette says.

The happy, giddy tone in her voice has me placing my fork on the plate. When I lift my head, Bridgette nods, waiting eagerly for me to agree with her.

“Yeah, I know, Bridgette. He’s the chef who cooked me every birthday meal since I was this tall.” I hold my hand up to table level. “You’ve been here for, what, three months, and you think you know shit about how this house is run? News flash, Barbie, you don’t have a fucking clue how you’ve trapped yourself.”

“Delaney Elizabeth,” my father’s voice echoes through the formal dining room. “That’s enough from you.”

I stand as he does, challenging him under his own roof. “Actually, Daddy, I’m only getting started.”

“Gary, it’s okay.” Bridgette puts one hand on my dad’s to calm him and the other on her barely-there belly.

“If you think a baby will keep him locked down, you have another thing coming, sweetheart. He’ll always put his own needs and desires above yours and that kid’s.” I wink at her then walk away from the table.

I’m at the door in a flash. “Let’s go, Tripp.”

“Learn to control her or else.” The threat falls from my father’s mouth.

“Yes, sir,” Tripp answers, rushing out of the dining room to catch up to me.

“Oh, and, Dad!” I scream. “Your wife, you know, the one you left for this tart, she’s the one who taught me to never be controlled by anyone. Even you.”

“Your mother is an alcoholic. I wouldn’t use her as someone to idolize.”

Tripp blocks me from going in there to confront my father. “Stop, Delaney.”

“And I wonder who we have to thank for that.” I fight against Tripp’s chest. “At least she didn’t sell her daughter up the river for her own benefit. You’re a worthless piece of shit, and everyone knows it. No amount of money will keep this family’s secrets hidden.”

Wood scratching on tile is the sound of my win. He knows my threat is true. Tripp releases me as my father approaches. I know what’s coming. Once he reaches me, he swings his hand. Tripp doesn’t try to stop it. Bridgette lurks in the doorway, disbelief in her eyes and worry in her trembling hands. This is your future.

“Does that make you feel good, Dad?” I reach up, rubbing the sting. “Whatever mess you’ve made of my name, you will fix it, or else.”

“No daughter of mine will threaten me.” He shakes his hand, feeling the effects of the slap on his own skin.

“I’ve looked in the eyes of true evil. Don’t think for a second that you scare me.” I grab Tripp’s arm and yank him outside.

The tears don’t come right away. They stay at bay where I prefer them. Tripp, once again, remains silent, solidifying what I think I’ve always known. He’s a coward.

“I’m going to assume you don’t want to come back to my place,” he finally mutters as we get closer to town.

“You assume right,” I whisper, drawing my legs up on the seat and staring out the window.

“There’s nothing I could have done.” He stops at the Glass Heart campus gate. The security guard looks inside, notices me in the passenger seat, and waves us through. “You know that, right?”

No, I don’t know that.

“No explanation needed, Tripp. You didn’t think it was your place.” I open the door as he slips into the parking spot. “I’d say this was a fun day, but I’d be lying.”

“Are we okay?” he asks. Worry flickers in his eyes as he waits for a response.

“If you’re going to be someone in my life, you have to learn to stand up to my father. He’ll bulldoze over you every chance he gets because that’s the type of man he is,” I urge.

“Our families are