“I have every right,” I growl right back. “Until you can prove your words. I have all the goddamn rights.”
Her eyebrows lift, lips parted.
“Send me details of what you need to re-skill. I’ll fucking pay for you to go to college, as long as you see it through.”
“You can’t buy me off.”
“I’m doing nothing of the sort.” A crowd gathers in the small space, not so subtle about their interest in how this plays out. The Kings are family, and family looks out for one another. “I’m helping you change your goddamn life. I’m fixing exactly what you just hollered at me and helping you to be better. Prove to me that what you say is true—that you want better for yourself.” I place my hand over Molly’s head. “For our daughter.”
Her nostrils flare, gaze repeatedly moving from me to Molly and back.
Painful seconds pass.
Circus makes his way down from the top of the stairs.
Reno glances over her shoulder at the guy and sighs. “Fine.” She regards each of the faces watching her, waiting for her to leave. The lack of support directed her way lies heavy in her tired gaze. “This isn’t permanent, Fang. You can’t stop me from seeing her.”
“If you choose to behave like this again, believe me when I say I can and I will.”
Reno’s jaw grinds before she heads for the door.
Without saying goodbye to Molly.
To be fair, I think it was probably best given the situation.
Highway quietly enters the foyer from the parlor. “You okay?”
I nod, the sound of Reno’s car tearing out of the yard framing the moment. “I should have done this a long time ago.” I stroke Molly’s head, her sniffles subsiding.
“I know.” He shrugs. “But we all figured you would when you were ready.”
I hold my daughter tighter, guilt and shame knitted in the tension of my muscles. I’ve got to do better for her.Bebetter for her. Otherwise I’m no different to people like Jenna’s old man—putting club politics before family.
And Molly will be no better than her, Freckles, constantly thinking she’s not enough, not loved, and undervalued.
The words I spat at her in the field turn my gut.I shouldn’t have said those things.But I wanted to hurt her, just like she had me when she said what we did was wrong. That she didn’t believe.
And I did that. Tenfold.
I clutch Molly tight, pressing my face to her soft hair. “You okay, baby?”
“Yes, Daddy.” Her words are weak, but her resolve is strong.
“Should we go see if the horses are still there?”
She nods against my shoulder. “I’d like that.”
I look around for her face, seeking Jenna out. But she’s not amongst the lingering crowd that talks quietly amongst themselves, yet to return to the house.Just like I told her to be.Darla returns to the parlor with The Kid, and Kathy’s nowhere to be seen now that Circus has disappeared.Not that either of them would help.
I catch Vanessa by the arm as I carry Molly toward the back door. “Can I ask a favor?”
She looks at my daughter, gaze soft, probably assuming it relates to her. “Sure.”
“Can you find where Jenna went?”
Chaos’s woman nods. “Any particular reason?”
Because I’m too pussy to. Because I’m probably the last one she wants to see.“I said some things that were a bit out of line to her. She might need to be reminded that we’re not all assholes.”
