Page 67 of Nate

Nate nodded in agreement. “I’m sure we’ll have more chances to talk. It might not be tonight, but we will talk again.” He extended his hand toward Markie with a smile. “Come on, sweetheart, I’ve had enough excitement for one night. Let’s head to bed.”

Markie placed her hand in his with a grateful nod. “Me too. Goodnight, Mom. Happy birthday,” she said.

“I wish you would stay up a little longer, Markie,” her mother pleaded.

“We’re tired, Mom. I’ll see you in the morning, if you’re up before we leave,” Markie reassured her, planting a tender kiss on her cheek, ignoring Jarrett as if he were invisible.

Nate paused beside Jarrett, casting a cold gaze over him. “She won’t always be there to protect you,” he warned in a low tone. “You and I will finish this conversation another time. That’s a promise.” With that, he led Markie out of the room and up the stairs.

Nate opened the door for her, and they entered the bedroom. She jerked when he slammed the door.

She figured he was still angry over the confrontation with Jarrett. She watched him walk toward the bed, sit down, and take off his boots. When he dropped them onto the floor, he stood, unsnapped and unzipped his jeans, and she knew he was pissed.

“I’m sorry Jarrett upset you.”

Nate stared at her. “I cannot believe you thought, for one fucking second that I was like him.”

“I’m sorry. You know I changed my mind.”

“But I am nothing like him, Markie. Damn.” Nate ran his hand around the nape of his neck. I have, never in my life, wanted to punch someone as much as I wanted to punch him,” he growled.

“Nate, I’m sorry. It was just that our first meeting, you came across…”

“Cocky. Yeah, I get it. You have to know I’m nothing like him.”

“I do. I promise you; I do.”

Nate stared into her eyes, then nodded. “I believe you.”

“I’m sorry that he upset you,” she repeated.

“It’s not your fault, Markie. That man is an ass. I can almost promise you that it will come to a head one day between me and him.” He sat back down on the bed. “If he ever touches you again…”

Markie sat beside him and put her arm around his shoulders.

“Just take deep breaths.”

Nate looked at her. “How do you stand it?”

“I don’t. He’s why I left Idaho. He’s why I rarely come home.”

“I don’t like him. Not one bit. I wanted to hit him so bad.” Nate clenched and unclenched his fists, and she placed her hand over his.

“I know. I don’t know how you held your temper. I could see the anger on your face.”

He looked at her and shook his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever been that mad. When I saw him with his hand on you, I could have killed him and felt good about it. How does your mother not see it?”

“She doesn’t want to.”

“Damn. I’m going to take a shower. Maybe that will calm me down.”

“Okay. I’m too tired to even do that. I’m going to wash my face, then get in bed.”

“Alright.” He kissed her lips.

After Markie washed her face, she glanced at Nate behind the shower doors, then walked into the bedroom. As she removed her shoes and skirt, she kept glancing at the bathroom door. Maybe she wasn’t so tired after all.

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