“I don’t. The only thing you have that I want is at home right now, waiting for her husband to return so we can have dinner together. You have nothing to offer me.”
I stand and walk toward the door, but she runs past me and blocks me.
“Then do it for the children. They like you, and you like them. They’re the ones who will suffer. Please.” She reaches for my hands again, but I move them away.
She’s right. I do like the kids, even the baby. Eva brought him to me once, and I held him. He was the first baby I’ve ever held, and he drooled on my hand and pulled my hair.
I’m teaching the two older ones to fight, and I encouraged them both to ask their mother to sign them up for swimming lessons.
“We can’t let kids suffer, man,” Preacher says. “Where are they?”
Serena Rose quickly says the address and tells us it’s the house Sylvie used to share with her husband.
“They have guns,” she warns. “And his mother lives there and is a nutcase.”
“We have more guns.” Preacher takes one from his waistband. He goes to his desk and brings out two more.
“Let me get this straight. It’s okay for me to be a goon. Now that you need me to lay my goon hand down. Do I have that right?”
She doesn’t answer and has the grace to look embarrassed.
“I know you said you don’t care about being part of our family—”
“I don’t give a single, solitary fuck about that. I’ve been alone all my life. All I need now is my wife.”
“Well, whether you care about it or not, you are family. We come with Eden. It’s a package deal.” She grabs my hands again. “I’m happy Eden has someone who loves her like you do.”
“Until I break her heart. But I’m sure you’ll be there with a shoulder for her to cry on.” I throw her words back in her face.
“Do you know Levar got mad when he found out he was having a daughter? He treated Sylvie like shit for the rest of the pregnancy.” Tears fall down her face.
“Then why did she have two more kids with him?” It takes all of my willpower not to roll my eyes.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with that girl, but she’s not a bad person.”
I snort at that. “You’re right. She’s not bad. She’s horrible.”
“She’s not. She’s just lost, but she’s my daughter, and I love her. She’s trapped, and she’s been lashing out.”
“Who set the trap?” I ask.
Serena doesn’t answer.
“It wasn’t me or Eden. I don’t care how she feels about me, but if she lashes out at my wife one more time, Eden’s going to knock her on her ass,” I warn.
“Please, help us. Not for me or Sylvie. Do it for the children, and I’ll owe you. Please.”
“Are you deaf? She doesn’t want me around her children. She tried to keep me away from Eden when she was in the hospital, and she has zero regrets about that. She sought out a man who stole from my wife. It offends me that you’re standing here asking me, of all people, for help after everything Sylvie has done.”
“I’m asking you to help three innocent children who didn’t ask to be born into this situation. I’m asking you to help Tim because he has a health condition that needs monitoring. I’m asking you to get Eva away from her sexist pig of a father. And I’m asking you to help Micah, who is a helpless baby. Please.”
“I’m convinced,” Preacher answers on my behalf. “Strap up and let’s go. Can I beat this guy’s ass? He’s the type who gives nice guys like me a bad name.” Preacher taps my shoulder and opens the door.
Serena Rose is right about one thing. Despite not being able to stand Sylvie, I do care about her children.
“Fine, but I don’t want anything from you in return. I’m only doing this for the children. I will handle Levar my way.”
Chapter 67
