148. Respect Him

Jacob felt his stomach twist as he met River’s icy glare. He swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of the bruises and cuts that River had been responsible for not too long ago. But he held his ground, leaning against Tiffany. Tiffany’s hands tightened on his, and she shot her father a defiant look, her chin raised. “Daddy,” she said, voice steady, “you’re not stopping me from being with him.” River’s expression hardened, but there was a flicker of something—perhaps regret or frustration—beneath his steely gaze. “Tiffany,” he said, voice low and controlled. “And I know you think you’re doing this to teach me some lesson or whatever. But Jacob is my boyfriend, and I care about him, so deal with it,” she said. Jacob tried to hold back his grin. Despite her prom dress and delicate appearance, Tiffany was a force to be reckoned with. “And if he breaks your heart?” River asked, raising an eyebrow. “Then I will deal with it. You will need to face the fact that I am growing up and can take care