Page 131 of Running Winter

He just wanted to protect us, as always.

I nodded, and Lucas made a face before knocking on the door. He walked in, and I braced myself for the aftermath. When I heard nothing, I checked my phone to find my dad had just called.

I stepped away, dialing his number, which he answered immediately.

"Alice."

"He will be ok," I sighed, rubbing my temples softly.

"Your husband needs a slap. I hope you gave him one." Dad huffed, and I couldn't help but smile.

"A mental one, yeah. I threatened to leave him," I confessed as Dad inhaled sharply.

"You'll be the death of us all, Alice Deacon. How is Raven?"

"Talking to Lucas right now."

"So, how was her two-week stint? All okay?"

"Well." I chewed on my lip, remembering the invoices that had come through to my email while we were away. "She needed a new bed—"

"Listen. I don't want to hear about any of that. Raven is my grandbaby. Always will be."

I recalled the decorator fees and wondered why she needed new things for her room. I made a mental note to ask her another time.

"I know."

Dad hesitated, and I frowned.

"What?"

"Well, you probably saw in the news, but a girl was killed recently. Died in a fire, tragic shame."

I narrowed my eyes before blowing my fringe out of my eyes.

"Tragic," I agreed.

"Call me when they're home. Don't try to part Raven and Leigh, Alice. You’ll only push them further away," Dad reminded me gently.

"I stopped, Lucas!"

"I know, babe. I know. Call me later. Your mother will want to talk to you too."

"Okay, I love you."

I ended the call as a possessive hand slipped around my waist.

"Who do you love? That had better be our son," growled a voice as I turned to see Lucas staring at me.

"That? Oh, just my boy toy lover," I joked as he shook his head darkly. "My dad, Lucas. Calm your shit. How's our girl?"

"She hates me." Lucas grimaced, dragging his hand over his chin.

"Most people do."

"Except for you, right?" Lucas sighed, tugging me into his arms. "This parenting shit sucks."

"It was your idea!" I reminded him as he chuckled.

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