Free Windswept (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Diana MacArthur Page B

find another orchestra, Chris,” Carl thundered. “You are finished! Cadence, come with me now.”
    Cadence was finally able to take a breath and cringed when a huge sob escaped her throat. How could she do this? She couldn’t choose between her father and the men she loved. She had been so happy last night. How could her world have come crashing down so quickly? Her eyes watered and darted between the three men in the living room. Impossible. With a cry, she turned and fled the room.
    Cadence ran until she reached her bedroom, and she slammed the door closed behind her. She flung herself onto the bed and was overcome by huge sobs that wracked her body. She heard a gentle knock at the door but didn’t answer. The knock became firmer.
    “Cadence, let us in please,” Ryan’s voice came through the door.
    “Go away!” she screamed at him and buried her face in the pillow again. She didn’t hear another knock.
    After a while, Cadence didn’t feel she could cry anymore. Picking up her phone, she called Andrea. After a brief explanation she said, “I need you to come and get me. Don’t buzz up. Just text me when you get here, and I’ll come downstairs.” Then Cadence got up and began packing her clothes. She dragged her suitcase down the stairs and set it by the front door. She went to retrieve her flute from its stand beside the piano. Chris and Ryan entered the room.
    “What are you doing?” Ryan asked in alarm.
    “I have to go,” Cadence said softly. “This is just causing too much trouble.”
    Chris reached out and took her shoulders. His touch sent thrills through her, but she knew she needed to be strong. She closed her eyes and moved out of his grasp. “Please just let me go,” she whispered.
    “Cadence, don’t do this!” Chris pleaded with her, and it hurt her to see the pain in his eyes. “We can support you! We love you!”
    Another sob threatened. Thankfully she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket at that moment. Andrea was here. “I’m sorry,” she cried and ran to the front door. She grabbed her suitcase and stormed out into the hallway to press the button for the elevator.
    Chris and Ryan burst through the apartment door. “Cadence, no!” one of them cried, but she didn’t know who. There was a rushing sound in her ears and a throbbing in her head. She stepped onto the elevator and watched the doors close before the men could reach them.
    Cadence slumped against the side of the elevator, and fresh tears leaked out of her eyes to roll down her cheeks. Thankfully no one else got onto the elevator before it arrived in the lobby. Andrea was standing near the door, and when Cadence saw her, she threw her arms around her friend.
    Andrea stroked her hair and held her. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?” she asked Cadence. Cadence nodded wordlessly. “Okay, let’s go then.” Andrea took the suitcase and led Cadence out of the building to her car which was waiting out front. After loading Cadence’s things into the trunk, they got in and set out.
    They drove in silence for a while. Cadence stared out the window at the rain streaming down. A miserable day outside, the perfect complement to the storm that raged inside her. As they drove through an intersection, Cadence saw a car approaching from her side, coming closer. It was coming too fast, Cadence realized with a jolt just before it slammed into the side of Andrea’s car.

Chapter 10
     
    Chris slammed his hand against the elevator. “Goddamn it!” he cried in frustration. He punched the elevator button repeatedly. He knew it was pointless. There was only one elevator from this level, and by the time it came back up, Cadence would be long gone.
    Damn Carl! How could he be so harsh with his own daughter? Chris knew their relationship was unconventional, but to call her a whore? He shook his head as he leaned hopelessly against the elevator door. He finally had someone he truly loved and wanted to be with, and one overbearing