It’s been my main threat against Natasha whenever she’s tried to pull shit in the past. But this time it’s not been enough to keep her away.
I grit my teeth. “You know it will, but it’s not that simple?—”
“You’re her father,” Uncle Mal says.
“You are,” my father confirms.
“I know.” I lean my head back against the chair, exhaling. “It’s just the last thing I need right now.” My head’s still reeling from seeing Tate back in the city again. And now Natasha goes and pulls a stunt like this?
“Okay,” my father says, his deep, commanding voice bringing a calm order to the table. “We all know what’s going on. And we’ve got each other’s backs. We’re family. And family looks out for one another. We’ll get this all sorted.”
“Yeah.” I scrub at my eyes, not wanting him to see how deeply Natasha has gotten to me this time. “Thanks, Dad.”
“You’re okay, Son. It’ll all be okay.” He squeezes my knee.
“Mabel licked me.” Molly giggles happily as I carry her into the lobby of our building.
“Auntie Sin’s new puppy loves you and thinks you taste yummy,” I reply, hiding the weariness in my voice.
Today has drained me. All I want now is to go upstairs with Molly and eat whatever Joan has left us for dinner, then lie in bed with my little girl and read to her.
I head straight for the elevators, passing the empty concierge desk on the way.
Movement to my left catches my eye and I turn to see a woman walking toward us, her steps slow and uncoordinated.
“Natasha?!”
I pull Molly into my chest and cradle her head, nestling it into my shoulder. My heart hammers against my ribs.
“What the hell are you doing?” I spit.
“Daddy?” Molly pipes up.
“It’s okay, Sweetheart,” I say, stroking the back of her head in her bunny onesie, keeping her firmly planted against my shoulder so she can’t turn around.
Natasha’s glazed eyes scan over Molly and she has the audacity to look interested as she admires her outfit.
“You like rabbits, Peaches?” she slurs.
“You’re drunk,” I spit, stepping back quickly as she reaches out, attempting to stroke Molly’s back.
“Peaches?” Molly echoes innocently, making my heart crack in two. If only she knew why I hated that fucking nickname so damn much.
“Get. Out,” I snarl.
“I want to see my daughter, Sullivan,” she says.
I step back again. She fucking stinks of liquor.
She changes her approach, realizing she isn’t going to get any closer to Molly.
“Aren’t you going to tell me how good I look? I’ve not seen you since that weekend in Miami. That was a wild one, huh?” She winks and lets out a laugh that scrapes at my bones.
“You need to leave.”
I turn my face toward Molly who’s shuffling in my arms. “It’s okay, Sweetheart,” I whisper. “We’re going home in a minute. The lady’s leaving.”
Natasha snorts, shaking her head with a lopsided sneer. “What a loving daddy. So sweet.”
