Page 175 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)
“Free and clear.” I bought this small apartment complex back in January and spent the next month bringing it up to code—and fashion. Well, my contractor spent the next month renovating it. Margo picked wall colors and flooring, but she didn’t know the half of it.
There are six apartments in this building, tucked in a cozy neighborhood in Brooklyn. It’s two blocks from the other building I bought.
Real estate mogul at eighteen. Who would’ve thought I’d end up following in my dad’s footsteps after all?
Josh helped me. Once David was arrested, my inheritance was given to me without restrictions. Still, seventeen was a bit young to be buying property. I waited until April rolled around, eyeing the market, and then made my move.
Two properties.
Ten apartments between the two of them, and eight are already filled with tenants.
The least I can do is give one to Margo’s dad.
He got a job in the city and has been commuting from Rose Hill. He joins Margo, Robert, and Lenora for dinner every Friday night. On Wednesdays, Margo goes to his Rose Hill apartment, occasionally accompanied by me.
But we’re moving to the city as soon as we graduate Emery-Rose.
“Does Margo know?” He’s at the window, staring out at the street.
“Not yet.”
He runs his hand through his hair. It’s gotten longer since his time in prison. When I look at him, I feel guilt.
Guilt that I harbored all this unnecessary anger, that I wasted years of my life festering in it. But if I hadn’t, I might’ve moved on from them. From Margo.
“You should forgive yourself, son,” Keith says. He stops in front of me. “If you need forgiveness from me, you’ve got it. But… I never held anything against you.”
I suck in a deep breath. I was less nervous negotiating a price for this place than I am talking to him. “I am guilty for believing their lies. If only I had—”
“No.” His hand lands on my shoulder. “You were ten. Innocent in all of this.”
“Margo got into NYU.” I pull out the acceptance letter. “Robert and Lenora intercepted it so I could surprise her.”
His eyes fill with tears. “My baby girl got into college?”
“Full ride scholarship and everything,” I say, handing him the letter.
He turns away and slips it from the envelope, reading it silently. His shoulders move as he takes a deep breath, and he turns back around with a smile. “You grew up.”
“I did my best under the circumstances.”
Keith pats my shoulder. “Thank you. Seriously. Not many people would go to the lengths you have, first securing me a job, and then buying an apartment and not charging rent?”
“Buying the whole damn building,” I correct. “Do you ever feel like you’re… going down the wrong path?”
He straightens. “I hope you’re not referring to my daughter.”
“No, no. Just…” I gesture around. “Maybe I should try to separate myself from him.”
“It’s okay to miss your dad, Caleb.” He looks away.
We’re both bad at heart-to-hearts, apparently. But besides Josh, he’s the only one who’s ever been close to a good male role model.
“He was a good man. He helped me out, too, after my mother cut me off. We hadn’t spoken in a few years, but he was glad to offer his home to Amberly, Margo, and me.” He exhales. “I forgave him for sleeping with my wife. He told me a few weeks before he died. It wasn’t you or Margo who ruined the ruse—he died when your mother decided it was time.”
My breath comes out shakily. “Margo had said as much. That you knew, and she didn’t tell.”
He nods. “I wasn’t aware of the extent of her memory block, or what you knew or didn’t know. It’s only good to uproot the past if you’re prepared to deal with the trauma.”