Page 89 of Nanny for the SEAL

My guts are churning, and the heat billowing in my cheeks is a nauseating reminder of how furious I am.

“I was. I’d fallen in too deeply with your father.” Karen sounds distant, like she’s recalling long-buried memories. “He was charming, you know. And I was in a bad place. I let him lead me down a dark tunnel. We…we did something horrible to you. I know I can’t deny that.”

“Good. That’s the first responsible thing you’ve done in your life.” I shake my head, closing my eyes as they begin to burn. “And just so you know, I don’t forgive you. I won’t—ever. So, you and Dad can stop texting me. You’re not getting money out of me, and this ‘nice guy’ act of yours was a waste.”

“Ivy, I…I don’t speak to your father. If he’s messaging you, that’s all him. I’ve filed a restraining order. He can’t come near me.”

I scoff. “You honestly expect me to believe you’re not in on this with him? Please.”

“I don’t. I know you can’t believe me, but I’m telling the truth. I’m in counseling now, and I have not spoken to your father since I went to prison. Don’t give him anything. Hell, change this number and give the phone to the police. I don’t want him to hurt you again.”

The need to scream grows. I don’t want to believe her. I don’t want Karen to sit there like she was just as much of a victim as I was.

But there’s something about her tone. It’s the clearest I’ve ever heard. She doesn’t sound high for once. Fear tickles at the back of my mind, saying that my father is working on his own.

And I’m in trouble.

“Don’t call me. Don’t text or write. Just…just leave me alone.” My throat pinches, too dry and sticky. “If you actually care in the slightest, then just let me live my life and stay far,faraway.”

“I—” But Karen stops herself. “Of course. I really hope you find the happiness you deserve, Ivy. I promise I do. But I won’t barge into your life when I haven’t earned it. If you ever want to talk…if you…”

Karen’s voice breaks, and I’m beyond sick to my stomach. “No, don’t you dare play the pity card. This is the bed you made. You have to lie in it. If I hear that you’ve messaged Jas, I’ll bring in the police. Leave us alone.”

Some words start to come through the other end, but I pull the phone away from my ear and hang up.

I can’t listen to her. I won’t.

It may be true that she’s seeing a therapist, that she’s remorseful. But there is no way in hell I’m forgiving her for what she did to me and Jasmine.

I’m shaking when I try to stand up, and the world feels like it's zinging past me. If my mother isn’t working with my father, he’s a bigger threat than I imagined.

The way she talked about him…she said to get rid of my phone…I…

Everything is too much, and I run downstairs to where I know Xaden will be in his office.

THIRTY-ONE

Xaden

In the middle of finishing up an email, I hear hurried footsteps rushing down the stairs, and I spin around in my chair to see Ivy bursting into my office.

“Hey,” I stand up, going to her with my hands out, “what’s wrong?”

She’s sobbing, and my mind immediately goes to the worst possible thing.God, is something wrong with the baby?

“Honey, I need you to talk to me. I’m right here, but I can’t help if you don’t talk to me.”

Ivy shakes, gripping the front of my shirt as she presses her head against my chest. I rub down her arms as I pull her close.

“I’m so sorry, Xaden. I should have said something sooner, but I was embarrassed and scared, and fuck, none of that matters.” She looks up at me, her brows pinched together with worry. “My father is stalking me, and I’m terrified that he’ll find me and do something to hurt you or Daisy…or the baby.”

For a moment, all I can do is hold her. I’m shocked, to say the least, but holy shit, this answers a lot of questions.

“Wait.” I shake my head. “Thoseare the messages you’ve been getting. They’re from your father.”

Nodding against me, Ivy tries to breathe.

“Okay, Ivy. It’s okay. We’re going to talk about this and get it all figured out. I just need you to try and take a few deep breaths. Alright?”

---