Chapter 26

Arsen

“This has gotten out of hand,”I heard my father say, but I was still staring at Matthew.

He was struggling. He needed me. I wanted to go to him. I am so damn angry.

My father and Matthew’s were basically enemies. He never told me.

Bennett Andrews and John McClaren, the two senators representing Virginia. Two senators who were like oil and water.

Did I trust Matthew? With my life.

Did I trust John McClaren? Not one chance in hell.

Did Matthew trust me? Not enough.

It blew my mind that two people could be so different but also irrevocably intertwined. Matthew Prism and John McClaren. Father and son.

“I think we should take a step back. Everyone should go,” my father told the room.

“I’m sorry, Senator, but it doesn’t work that way.” Detective Paul interrupted. “Your son and his friend have been arrested.”

“And I’m pressing charges against the other one!” Niles was sure to remind the room.

What a fucking tool. If I disliked him before, I outright hated him now.

“The charges are bullshit,” Dad intoned. “I’m not sure of everything right now, but of that, I am.” He turned toward Elite. “Take your friend and go. I’ll stay behind with my lawyer and son and work this out.”

Detective Paul opened his mouth, but my father shot him a hard look. “I’m not in the mood for an argument. My authority outranks yours.”

I glanced toward Matthew, expecting him to protest. He’d been so adamant about not leaving here without me. Loyal even when it cost him.

The thought was a hefty punch to the gut. Everything he endured tonight was because he hadn’t wanted to abandon me.

I have no right to my anger.

“Prism.” Kruger’s concerned voice made me look up.

Matthew was hunched in on himself, struggling to breathe.

“You’re all right, P. Just breathe,” Kruger told him, laying a hand on his shoulder.

Jess rushed toward them, arms reaching for her brother while her eyes found me across the room.

He needs you.

Nothing else mattered in that moment. Not our fathers. Not my misplaced anger.

All that truly mattered to me was him.