37. Reece

After leaving Jasper's I sped straight to my parents house. I don't know if I'm ready for this needed conversation. But I'm in love with Jasper and over this family fucking feud that's keeping us hidden in the shadows.

With Jasper's cousin now knowing we're together, his family will surely know soon. And I'm worried for him, but I need to do this. I need to man up and tell my father I've fallen for the enemy.

Arriving at my parents' house I barge right in, straight into my fathers office by crashing through the double doors like a bull. My heart is racing with nervousness and when my father glances up at me I stumble backwards, almost retreating. But I need to do this. I have to do this.

"Yes, Reece?" my father questions, his voice stern.

"I need to tell you something father."

"Then tell me, no point beating around the bush."

I sigh, inhaling a deep breath as I step closer to his foreboding desk. I grip the mahogany with my palms. "I've been seeing someone, and you won't like who."

"Cut the bullshit, Reece. You think I'm stupid and can't see through your words."

"I never said you were stupid, father. But this isn't easy for me to admit to you."

He stands from his chair, clenching his fists tightly. He's seething.

"Is this person male?"

"Yes, it's…J…" I gulp, my loves name caught on the tip of my tongue with my father's scathing glare.

"Out with it, Reece," he demands, his jaw ticking.

"It's Jasper Capullo."

"Our sworn enemies son?" Dad questions, his voice raising an octave so it sounds more like a statement than a question.

"Your enemy, not mine," I respond, inhaling some deep breaths to attempt to calm my racing heart. The look in my father's eyes is hatred. I can feel it filling the room. He rounds the desk, still clenching his fists as he stalks towards me. He's raging, and I'm starting to panic. He's a callous man, and I know his fists can bring me a world of pain if I don't obey him or he doesn't like my choices.

"Our enemies are one and the same, Reece. And your actions are traitorous towards our lineage."

My stomach is in knots, but I have to tell him. I have to speak my truth.

"I'm in love with him, father."

"How dare you admit such heinous words to me," my father seethes, unballing his fists and lunging towards me. I should move away, to avoid his incoming hit. But I don't move even an inch. My breathing is heavy, my heart aching because I'm regretting even bringing it up now. My father raises his fist and I close my eyes, anticipating causing my heart to race even more.

He strikes me then, his fist slamming into my nose causing blood to gush out and down my face. It hurts. Really hurts and tears sting my eyes. Words of apology are caught on the tip of my tongue, but I don't want to apologise for loving Jasper. I shouldn't have to. Loving someone needs no apology, not to my father or anyone. I don't react, don't say another word, instead I leave. When I'm out the door I let the tears fall, realising that it's gonna be harder than I thought to be open with my feelings for Jasper. It seems as though my father is not going to accept Jasper, and that breaks my heart.

I don't want to be a Montserrat if I can't be with Jasper. Our last names are not who we are, and I will deny mine to be with him. I'm not sure if he's back in the dorms, but I get back in my car to head there anyway. At least in the confines of Jasper's dorm room we can be together freely, without anyone barging in to forbid us from expressing our love for each other.