Untamed (43 page)

“I want to watch Duncan,” I say, folding my arms. “I’m here to support
family
. Isn’t that the most important thing, as you’re so fond of saying?”

Dad sighs, runs a hand over his smooth head. He turns to Duncan, says, “You brought her here?”

Duncan meets Dad’s eyes. “She wanted to come.”

“You should have told her not to.”

“I’ll never tell her she can’t do anything.”

“God damn it, don’t you two start ganging up on me. Where the hell have you been?”

“At your daughter’s graduation,” Duncan says.

I wince when I see Dad’s expression.

Dad looks at me. “I had to prepare for the fight tonight, sweet—”

“I know,” I say coldly. “
Business
. I’m here to support Duncan, and you can’t stop me.”

“Deidre, this is no place for a young woman.”

I laugh, shake my head. “You really want to have an argument with me in front of all your friends?” I gesture with my head at the restaurant. “Because of my
gender
?”

Dad turns around, sees everybody standing at the window, watching us. Other families and organizations, all dressed in their expensive suits, and all wearing glinting gold jewelry. Frustration ripples across his face.

“We are going to talk about this when we get home,” he says.

Duncan steps forward. “Deidre just wants to support me,” he says, flashing a charming smile.

Dad grumbles. “You really want to be here?” he asks, looking at me.