“What do you wanna talk to me about?” Banger asked, his voice a low growl.
Jerry rubbed his hands on his jeans. “About something very important.”
Banger furrowed his brow. “Go on.”
Jerry fixed his gaze on Banger’s. “I’m deeply in love with your daughter. I’m asking you permission to date her properly. I know you don’t like me, but before you jump to conclusions, you have to know that I would never hurt or cheat on Kylie. I’ll always respect her and give her the life, love, and attention she deserves. She loves me too, and it’s important that you’re okay with our relationship.”
There was a tense, awkward pause. Then Banger stepped forward. “You done?”
“I love her,” Jerry repeated.
“So you both been seeing each other behind my back again? Did you forget about the agreement you made at church ‘bout never seeing or being with Kylie if you wanted to keep your patch?”
“I didn’t forget. I tried, but it was no good. If I have to choose, I’ll lose my patch. Kylie is my life.”
Kylie noticed her dad’s eyes grew wide for just a second when Jerry told him he’d take her over his patch. A warm, fuzzy feeling radiated through her, and she squeezed his hand. “Dad, I know you told me to stay away from Jerry, but I love him. Remember when you told me you wanted me to be happy and—”
Banger turned his hard gaze on her. “You fuckin’ disobeyed me.”
“How can you expect two people who love each other to stay apart? Why would you want to see your daughter miserable?” Belle said softly, reaching out to grab Banger’s hand. He turned to her, and Kylie swore she saw tenderness pushing away the steel in his eyes. “What if someone told you to stay away from me? Would you?” Belle touched his cheek with the back of her hand. “Well, would you?” Banger pressed his lips together and shook his head.
“And grandpa wasn’t crazy about you when you were going out with Mom, but you pursued her anyway, and you guys got married despite what grandpa said,” Kylie whispered, cringing at the way her dad glared at her.
“I’ll treat Kylie like a princess her whole life.”
“Her whole life? What the fuck you talkin’ about? She’s not even twenty yet. She’s not getting hitched.”
“I’m with her until she tells me to go away, and then I’ll still be with her.”
Banger looked at Kylie, and she forced herself not to look away. “You really love him, or is this some crush shit you got going?”
She shook her head. “No, Dad. I really love Jerry. I think I always have.”
He blew out a big breath. “I purposely kept you away from the hardness of this life. I sheltered you so you wouldn’t come and tell me what you’re tellin’ me now. Fuck. I didn’t want you to end up with a biker.”
“How couldn’t I? You were the best mentor and role model in my life, and you were a biker. It’s in my blood, Dad.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose it is.” He ran his hand through his hair. “If I say no, are you still gonna see him?”
She looked down. “Yes,” she said softly.
“Figured as much. I just don’t want you hurt. I want you to be happy and have a good life.”
“I’m happy with Jerry. It’s time I start making decisions about my life. You have Harley to protect and coddle now.”
“I’m here to make sure she’s happy and safe.” Jerry put his arm around her.
Banger shook his head. “I don’t give a fuck if you’re sixty damn years old, you’ll always be my little girl.”
“I know, Dad. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Banger waved his hand. “Come on over here.”
Kylie slipped out of Jerry’s arm and went over to her dad, who hugged her tightly. Over his shoulder, she saw Belle grinning. Kylie winked at her then kissed her dad on his cheek. “Thanks for being the best dad ever. Harley’s so lucky to have you as his father. And so am I.”
Banger drew back, and Jerry stepped in to fill the space. “I will treat her well,” he said.
“You’re fuckin’ right you will.”
