Page 62 of Act of Passion

Striker’s lips twitched. “You’ve a lot of yer father in you. He’s stubborntoo.”

She gave him the stink eye. “Spill it,bucko.”

Striker laughed and tried to hide his amusement with the child. “I think you should ask him. That’s nae for me to tellyou.”

“Chicken,” shesaid.

Striker put his hand on her back. “Aye.”

Bethany looked at Malik. “Well?”

He took a deep breath, unsure how to handle the situation. He didn’t want Brooke even madder at him, but he desperately wanted to tell Bethany thetruth.

“Yes, sweetie. He’s your father,” said Brooke from behindhim.

He gasped and spun around in the chair to find Brooke standing there, wearing a thin, short nightgown. There were dark circles under hereyes.

Striker grunted. “Och, the two of you are like ninjas. I dinnae hear either of you up andabout.”

Malik stood fast. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think she was awake. I’llgo.”

Brooke touched his chest as she walked past him. “Bethany, do you have any questions for Malik orme?”

She nodded. “Is Daddy going to live with us now? Are we going to be a realfamily?”

Malik found himself rubbing Brooke’s back, moving even closer to her. “Princess, I did some things that I have to make up for. You’re too young to understand what I’m saying, but one day you will. I’ll be in your life as much as I can be. As much as Mommy says isokay.”

Brooke bent and touched Bethany’s cheek. “Daddy and I will discuss what will happen fromhere.”

Bethany glanced at Striker. “That didn’t sound like a yes tome.”

Striker pursed his lips. “Was nae a noeither.”

Bethany smiled and tugged on Striker’s beard. “Can I keep you? I’ve always wanted adog.”

Striker’s eyed widened. “I’m nae adog.”

“I know,” said Bethany, giggling and leaning against his chest. “Mommy, Uncle Striker is gonna tell me a bedtime story and then he’s gonna come in the room and sleep in the big chair there. Aunt Edee will feel better. She’ll know she’s safe too. You go talk toDaddy.”

“Bethany.” Brooke tried to lift Bethany, but she clung toStriker.

“You told me that when you’re upset or sad it’s important to talk about your feelings,” said Bethany. “And that hugs make everything better. Hug her, Daddy, quick. I’ll get to keep you and get adog.”

Malik laughed softly. “I’ll see what I can do, princess. How about I tuck you in and I watch over youtonight?”

Bethany gave him a look that said he was talking crazy. “How are you gonna get Mommy to stop being mad at you if you’re with me? Oh boy, you’re gonna take a lot of work. Aunt Edee says all men need trained like a puppy. I get itnow.”

Brooke laughed. “There are days I really worry about her influence on you. Why don’t you come sleep in my bed withme?”

A calculated look came over Bethany’s face. “Okay, but only if Daddy gets to come too. And only if Uncle Striker will sleep in the big chair in the other room to watch over Aunt Edee so she can sleep and not beafraid.”

Striker beamed. “She’s got a future inpolitics.”

“I don’t know what that means, but if it means I get a dog and a dad, I’m okay with that,” saidBethany.

Brooke met Malik’s gaze. “If you want to stay in there with us, youcan.”

“Yes,” he said quickly, when he really wanted to jump forjoy.

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