Page 105 of Bad Kind of Love

“I’m sorry.” He whispers against my skin.

My eyes shut as I soak in his touch, smell and the warmth that exudes off his body.

“It’s okay.” I mumble back.

Once we pulled away from each other, all eyes seemed to have landed on our embrace. Where my father appeared defeated, Jack’s dad wore a small smile.

“If you want to leave, leave.” He motions toward the door shocking us both. “Just think of this as a favor…”

Jack tenses beside me.

“What’s the catch?” He asks.

“No catch, just a father trying to do the right thing.” He nods before dropping back down into his seat at his desk. Peering down at a pile of papers, he goes on working like we aren't even there.

Jack pulls me by the hand and walks us toward the door. My dad follows closely behind.

“The name’s Kent by the way.” He announces causing my eyes to catch his one last time.

Instead of responding, I nod and exit the room. We rush out of the building fast, but once we reach outside, my dad's hand wraps around my arm and I’m pulled towards him.

“Just because you saved us doesn’t mean I’m gonna let you be with my daughter.” He scoffs as I try to tug out of his grip.

Jack snarls in return, but understanding flashes across his face.

“I don’t expect you to like me.” He rakes a hand through his hair. “Hate me, I don’t care but Becca and I will always be together, no matter what the fuck you say.”

“I more than hate you, Fitzgerald…”

Tearing my arms out of his hand, I smack him hard across his face.

“You have no room to judge anyone.” I snarl. “My whole life has been a giant shit show because of you and mom. If you think for one second you are going to dictate my life, you are sorely fucking mistaken.”

Grabbing his battered face, he frowns.

“Becca, I…”

“No.” I point. “You either accept us or get the hell out of my life. You’ve been gone for most of it anyway.”

The ultimatum was uncalled for, but I was tired of him acting like super dad.

Because he wasn’t.

He stares hard at me, and I can sense the sadness and regret he feels toward me. I know he realizes he was a shitty dad, but right now wasn’t the time to be strict with me. I wasn’t the same little girl anymore. I grew up and the choices I’d make would be my own despite his objections.

“I’m sorry.” He apologizes. “I just want to be the dad you always wanted and seeing you with him, your fucking teacher, aggravates the hell out of me.”

“I’m graduating next week, from now until then nothing’s going to change.” I press. “I’m eighteen, I know what I want and what I want is him.” I glance over to Jack who watches our interaction closely.

“Fuck.” My dad’s head drops. “Till graduation, I don’t want to see your face around my house.” He points a finger at Jack. “And you, you better not end up getting pregnant.”

“I don’t plan on it anytime soon.” I reassure.

He glances between the both of us, lingering on Jack with a firm stare.

“Don’t hold her back, she deserves the world.” His tone is filled with a tenderness for me that I’ve never seen before.

“Never.” Jack reaches for my hand entwining them together.

My dad releases a deep sigh and peers at me one last time.

“Stay safe.”

And with that, he left.

“Are you okay?” Jack’s voice startles me as my eyes were locked onto my dad leaving.

“Yes.” I nod, throwing myself into his arms.

I’ll always be okay if I had him.

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