DUCHAS (The Drive Within, Book 2 in Baile series)

Chapter 17 Meeting the Parents

Riley

I had never been more nervous as I packed my belongings. I really wanted Isla's parents to like me, to understand that I would do anything for their daughter. Their impression of me meant more then my own parents.

I was folding shirts when Alick appeared in the doorway of my office. In a second his fist collided with my face. Alick roared as he punched my stomach over and over, I let him have his way before shoving him back. He should've known that I was the alpha between us.

"How could you?" Alick pinned me to the wall, his fists in the collar of my shirt.

"It wasn't planned."

"I confided in you. I told you I loved her and you had the nerve to take her from me!"

"I would never hurt her, it's mutual."

"Mutual!" Alick growled. "She would never love you." I could see hurt behind his fury.

"I'm sorry."

Alick released me, backing away. "Is that why you drove me and my parents to the Games? So you could sneak away to fuck her? You pretended to care about me, when all you wanted was the girl I loved."

"I do care, I don't have a lot of family to rely on."

Alick picked up a crystal paperweight from my desk. "Congratulations, now you don't have anyone." He went to throw it, stopping when Anna entered the office. "Did she know?"

My silence was his confirmation as he stormed out of the room, smashing the paperweight against the wall on his way out.

I sighed. "You can say it." I bent down to continue packing. "I told you so."

"I told you so." Anna waltzed in, her neck wrapped in a hand knitted black scarf.

I zipped up my bags, straightening to see Anna wearing a somber expression. "What's up?"

"I can't believe I feel sorry for you."

"You do care." I smirked.

"I still think you're a right idiot, but I know you. You care about her, more than you did with Eleanor. You look like a man in love."

I simply smiled as she came closer to give me a hug.

"I hope you know what you're doing."

"I hope so to." I gathered my bags. "I'll see you around."

"You will see me." Anna winked. "Now go have fun."

I held open the door for Anna before locking it behind me. I made my way to my car, throwing my bags in the boot before climbing in. I drove down the hill into town, making my way towards the airport where I would meet with Isla and her parents. I gripped the steering wheel hard while I drove.

My phone buzzed and I glanced at it to see it was Eleanor calling me. She had been calling me non-stop ever since she found out about me being fired. I had no intention of returning her calls. If I ever heard her voice again, it would be too soon.

I reached the airport, carrying my bags inside to join Isla and her parents. Isla beamed upon seeing me, her whole face lighting up. My gaze shifted to her parents, specifically her father, who was giving me a very harsh glare under black bushy eyebrows.

"It's nice to finally meet you." I put on my bravest smile. "Riley O'Sullivan." Isla's mother happily shook my hand.

"It is nice to meet you also, I am Aileene and this is my husband Kenneth." She introduced.