"No. Don't tell me you feel sorry for the bastard. He made your life a living hell."
"And I can relate to a child being bullied and influenced by an abusive mother." She shook her head when he opened his mouthto respond. "I say I can relate, not that I'm making excuses for him." She squeezed his hand.
"He's asking to see you." That was the part she had dreaded and had at first said no.
"Not a chance in hell."
Margo looked at Oscar. "You expressed an interest in seeing him as well."
"I wanted to look the bastard in the eyes and let him know he failed. Kiara does not need to face him."
"Kiara can speak for herself, and I think I should go."
"No." His tone was definitive, expression resolute. "You don't need the added stress. You're carrying twins and it happens to be a high risk pregnancy. Over the past few days, you've been bloody sick. I won't have you stressing out."
"I'm going to be more stressed if you continue to block me. I happen to have a mind of my own and I was the one being stalked by this creep." She looked at Margo. "Make the arrangements, please."
"Would you excuse us for a minute?"
"Of course." Happy to escape, Margo rose and made her way out.
"I know what you're going to say--"
"I bet you don't." He rose and started pacing the length of the living room, his expression stormy.
"You think I'm fragile. That I'm a victim."
"You're a bloody victim!"
"Don't shout at me, I have excellent hearing." Her voice was stiff and for a moment reminded him of what she must have sounded like in front of her students.
"Then hear this. You're not going."
"What? Are you going to tie me to the bed?" Her hackles rose as she glared at him.
"If necessary. Those babies you're carrying are mine."
Anger sparked and flooded her with heat. "So what? You're protecting your interest?"
"If that's the way you want to put it then bloody yes." He marched over to haul her to her feet, his grip punishing. "I went through hell when I heard you were almost shot."
"Ever since the bastard started getting more intense in his pursuit of you, I've not had a moment's rest. I hope he fricking dies. And I hope he suffers acute agony and burns in hell for putting you through what he did."
"Whether you like it or not, I am going to protect you and I say you're not going to see him."
"Let go of me." Her voice was calm, indicating that she was struggling to hold onto her formidable temper. "I spent years being manipulated by my mother and I refuse to have you doing so now."
"You don't ask, you demand and expect me to fall in line. Well, I won't have it." She shoved hard enough to push him back. "I'm going upstairs and don't even think about following me."
"Kiara--"
"Go to hell," she retorted before storming out.
Oscar watched her go, his fists clenching at his sides. The argument hung heavy in the air, unresolved and raw. He wanted to chase after her, to insist she see reason, but for once he forced himself to stay put. The fear for Kiara, and for the future he desperately wanted with her, made him feel powerless, his anger mingling uneasily with love.
"I'd say you blew that all to hell." Eric stepped into the room and gave his friend a sympathetic look. "I'm no expert on relationships, but I think you should let her simmer for a while."
Blowing out a breath, Oscar went straight to the liquor cabinet. "I thought you'd left."
