Damon's POV:
"And who is that?" My father said, his voice deep and cunning as always.
He looked up closely, at Gina-not even me, like he was having a conversation with her silently. Gina trembled slightly. I tightened my grip around her and she calmed down slowly.
"Good day, father," I said simply and she bowed too-probably too terrified to speak.
He didn't release his gaze on Gina, and my heart shook -no one could imagine what he'll do next.
"Father, this bastard is really losing it, how dare he show up with someone you've been looking for all day?" Jax grew uncomfortable with the unrelenting decorum of the room.
"Shut up!" Father said, his voice loud and firm.
"But you've sent him out long ago." he protested, loosening his tie, "That piece of..." he mumbled.
"Shut up! Jax" he said slowly, still staring at Gina like he was doing an assessment.
"How do you two end up together, son." It was really unlike him, and I shook at the drop of the name-son? Is he letting me in already?
"Um... Um..." I stammered and Jax interrupted.
"You see, father? Just give him some money and send him out already."
"Brother, I'm not some kidnapper, okay?" I faced him and he walked back a bit, smirked and braced his shoulder.
"Brother?"
"I'm asking you a question, Damon," father said and stood up, slowly, and walked to the window at the right side of the room, his large portrait framed above the window-with that wicked smile fixed in place, like always.
"I'm sorry," I said shortly, avoiding unnecessary apology, I need to prove my self-esteem and stubbornness to him.
"Okay?"
"But I feel uncomfortable with him being here. Can he excuse us?" I gestured at Jax.
"Me? What?" he pointed at himself, his eyes widened like he'd wanted them plucked out.
I didn't need to respond to him, so I didn't.
Father smacked his lip, and turn back to the room, "If he needs a space, I'll give him one."
I smiled slightly -I was sure nobody noticed.
"Wait at the door, Jax." He walked back to his seat, ready for the conversation I'm starting with him.
"What?" Jax burst out and I felt the relief in Gina's body-like some tight knot was untied in her system.
Father didn't repeat himself, and slowly, Jax walked up to the door.
Then he stopped, looked back-at Gina. "You. Welcome back to my arms."
I smirked. He didn't even have a glimpse of the reason behind my appearance.
He walked out slowly, and closed the door behind. A huge sigh followed from Gina, and his steps moved farther away from the door slowly, till it faded off.
"The room is all yours." He spread his arm, and I calmed lightly.
"We're getting married." I dropped, and Gina pulled me more tightly -like I was walking on a tightrope.
"You're not used to jokes like this, right?" he said raising his eyebrows lightly as he interlocked his fingers and placed his arms on the table, leaning forward.
"And I wanted you to let me in," I said like he hadn't asked me for an explanation on the first bombshell.
"Is this some kinda deal?"
"No." I paused, like I was searching for the best way to phrase the next sentence. "A call-in for a promise probably forgotten."
He nodded."And which promise is that?"
"To prove myself and you'll let me in." he stared up at me, and I stood firmly -like the gaze was nothing.
"So are you saying you know exactly what I want?"
"I studied you all my life," I lied. Everything I knew was from Evan-not some damn study. I'm here just because of him and our promise.
"Impressive," he nodded. "Proving yourself can't be done by just this. You know it too?"
I said nothing, because he was clearly boasting-the alliance with Mr. Gregory worth more than anything to him, but he showed it to no one.
"You can test me after my arrival."
"It's okay." He stood. "Is she okay with it too?"
"We are getting along really well." I lied and he saw through me-but he surely don't know what I'm up to.
"Really?"
I nodded.
"It's okay, then."
He walked toward us and stood before Gina. "And you, I don't like people that stress me. You put your father through some trouble during your absence."
Gina just stood there, face buried to the ground.
"You could have just pull up a call, even to me. I'll have been saved from stress too."
"Sorry father." she said simply.
"You young people are really something." he faced me. "Take care of her."
"Sure sir." I smiled.
"When his your wedding?" I clearly didn't see a reason for that. He'll skip anyway.
"Pardon?"
"Your wedding, yeah!"
I braced up. "Tuesday, Dad."
"I'll cancel my schedule." he patted my shoulder. "And welcome to Kings, you start immediately after your wedding."
I smiled, and Gina loosened her grip, that's the main reason we came here for.
"Thanks, father." I bowed slightly.
"It's okay," he said walk-in back to his seat. "Just do well to prove yourself worthy."
"I'll do that."
"I need a really competent heir."
The word hung in the air. He wanted me to reach for it-to beg, to promise, to show my hunger.
But I didn't.
I didn't respond to that-it was obviously a trap anyway.
"I'll take my leave now, father." I bowed.
"Sure." He waved. "You can."
We turned back and walked out silently.
And right there, I felt the greatest relief, not from his approval-I didn't feel like I need them before, but for the fact that I was making Evan's dream come true.
I know he'll be happy up there, and I'm happy for that too.
And surprisingly, Julie's good luck worked.
