He opened the door, and as he went through it he heard Banger’s gruff voice. “Kylie, in the back room. Now. We gotta talk.”
Then the door closed behind him.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kylie stood inthe back room, picking at her nail polish. Her dad’s anger was palpable as he stood boring a hole through her. After what seemed like forever, he asked in a low, hard voice, “You got something with Jerry?”
She shook her head, dread weaving around her nerves.
“Look at me when I speak to you. I want to see your eyes.”
Kylie’s muscles tensed and a small stab of defiance jabbed her. She wasn’t a child anymore, and she should have the right to choose whomever she wanted to date. Her mother and father certainly did, and her grandpa couldn’t stand her dad, but her mother continued seeing him because it felt right. If her parents had the freedom to choose, why couldn’t she?
She fixed her eyes on her dad’s and jutted her chin out. His flashing eyes chipped away at her new feeling of independence, and she lowered her gaze.
“So, are you?” Banger glowered at her, and she shifted uncomfortably in place.
“I think Jerry’s real cute, and it was nice that he stood up for me. Those guys were jerks, but I was ready to knee the one who had his hand on my butt in the balls and pop the other one behind me in the ribs with my elbow. I didn’t need you or Jerry to help me. I had it covered.”
Banger’s eyes softened and he chuckled. “You’re my girl all the way. I saw fuckin’ red when that fucker touched you, but I’m your dad. Jerry’s the only brother who charged over. All the rest knew I had your back. It was something a guy would do for his woman.”
She shrugged. “I think any of the brothers would’ve come to help me.”
“If I weren’t there, for sure, but none of them did because they knew I owned it.” He sighed and came closer to her. “I know you’re young, and flirting with a good-looking guy is fun, but Jerry isn’t for you. He’s the type who’d break your heart. I know you can’t see that because you haven’t been around a lot of guys—”
“Whose fault is that? You made sure every guy in high school knew you were the president of an outlaw MC. The boys would look at me, but they were scared to death to date me.”
“Maybe I was overprotective, but I didn’t have your mother around to tell you ‘bout boys and all that girl stuff. I didn’t want you to end up pregnant and dropping outta school. I did what I thought was best.”
“I know, and I’m good with that.”
“You’re in college now and meeting all sorts of guys. I’m sure there’re some you like. All I’m saying is that I don’t want you to give your heart to a biker who knows how to sweet-talk you. Jerry’s a good brother, but he’d make a shitty boyfriend. He chases too many girls, and he’s not interested in settling down with one woman. He’s a fucking player, and every time I see him, he has another woman or two around him. I don’t want you with a man like that. I don’t want no man breaking your heart.”
She smiled softly. “I don’t think you can protect me from ever having a broken heart. I have to find my own way, Dad. I love you, but you have to let me fall so I can learn how to get back up on my own. Losing Mom taught me that the people I love aren’t always going to be around my whole life.”
“I’ll always be there for you, honey. No matter what happens, I’m there for you.”
“I know, and it makes life easier to maneuver knowing I have your support and unconditional love.”
Softly, he said, “I want the truth from you. Is something going on between you and Jerry?”
She took a deep, pained breath and looked down at the floor. She couldn’t lie to her father, even though she knew he’d go ballistic and end whatever she had with Jerry. But how could she let Jerry get hurt? She had no doubt in her mind that her dad would crush him, and he’d lose his patch, something which was more important to him than his life. She knew what the patch meant; she grew up understanding that the brotherhood and life were entwined, and a member couldn’t have one without the other. How could she destroy Jerry? How could she lie to her beloved father?
How the fuck can I choose?
“You gonna answer me?”
Nodding, she opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Hawk burst into the room. “You gotta come quick. Belle thinks the baby’s coming.”
Banger’s face paled and he rushed to the door. Kylie intercepted him, hugged him, and whispered, “It’ll be okay.” He nodded at her then dashed off.
The Insurgents and their women watched as Banger’s SUV sped away from the bar. Kylie offered to go along, but Belle asked that she take Ethan home and watch him. When she and Ethan arrived home, she called her dad on his cell phone. He told her that the doctors said it was a false alarm, but Belle’s blood pressure was very low and she was a bit dehydrated, so the doctor wanted to keep her overnight for observation. She offered to come to the hospital, but he told her he was good, and he needed her home to watch Ethan. Kylie hung up and said a small prayer that Belle and the baby would be okay. Nausea rippled through her stomach and she stretched out on the couch, staring out the French doors.
The summer night was warm and breezy. She’d been so happy a few days before, thinking about coming home and having a romantic summer with Jerry, but at that moment, guilt assuaged her. Why did it feel so wrong when they weren’t together, but so right when they were? If he wasn’t any good for her, why was he such a sweetheart to her? No matter which way she went with her tie to Jerry, she’d end up losing out. Her phone vibrated and she grabbed it, hoping all was well with Belle.
Jerry:How’s it with ur dad?
Kylie:Not sure. Belle had a false alarm. He’s with her @ the hospital. That part is ok.
