Ronan scoffed. “He sounds like an asshole.”

My mouth dropped open. I hadn’t really expected him to say anything, let alone that.

“The number in your father’s bank account shouldn’t matter,” he continued. “It’s what’s in your heart that counts, and from what I can tell, yours is too kind to waste on someone like that.”

The organ in question sped up, and my palms were clammy. “Uh, thanks?”

He shot me a look. “If the guy can’t see your value, then you should ditch him. Go back out there and find someone who deserves you.”

My lower lip quivered. “But prom is tomorrow.”

He shrugged. “If you can’t find anyone who’ll treat you right, then go with your best girlfriend. You have one of those, right?”

I nodded, my thoughts wandering to Sage Nichols. She was going with the guy who ran the audiovisual booth for the drama club and who worshipped the ground she walked on. They’d gladly have me as a third wheel. In fact, I didn’t think I’d even look for another date—although I’d definitely kick Emmett to the curb.

I wiped away the remnants of my tears and gazed at Ronan. His thoughtful words had just set the new standard for men in my life, and I wasn’t sure any high school boy could live up to them.

“Willow.” The sound of my father’s voice drew my attention to the doorway.

“Hi, Dad.”

He scanned my face, his forehead furrowing with concern. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“Just some school stuff.” I glanced at Ronan. “I’m actually feeling much better about it now.”

Dad smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. Why don’t you come here and give your old man a hug anyway?”

I happily threw myself into his strong embrace. He smelled faintly of cigarettes—a habit he’d never managed to kick—and his shoulders were broad enough to carry the weight of my world. Ronan may have been the subject of my unrequited crush, but Dad would always be the most important man in my life.

ONE

Present Day

Willow

I peeked through the slit between the door and frame.

Still no sign of him.

He’d left his office five minutes ago, but I wanted to make sure he was well and truly gone for the night before I ventured out of my hiding place.

I adjusted my position among the mops and vacuum cleaners, wishing there were somewhere I could sit. I’d been standing for hours. Still, I could continue for several more if I needed to because this cupboard had a prime view of Ronan King’s office on the top floor of the building that housed his company, King’s Security. The cupboard also had a clear line of sight up and down the well-lit but now empty corridor.

I needed to move soon, though. I’d stolen a cleaner’s outfit and snuck in during work hours, but the real cleaning staff would arrive soon, and I couldn’t risk them finding me here and reporting me.

I wondered what the penalty would be for trespassing. I probably should have looked that up before now. But considering the stakes—saving my family’s company—it was worth the risk.