Page 22 of Possessive Mountain Man

I scowl at him. “This is my place.”

“And this is my daughter. In case you didn’t remember.”

Elise winces and gives me a pleading look. “Do you mind?”

Though I’d rather not leave her alone, I give my own tight-jawed nod. I step out onto the porch, pulling the door closed behind me, and face him.

“She’s fine,” I say. “Better than fine.”

“I’m sure she is,” John snaps. “But she’s my daughter.”

I clench my fists, struggling to keep my temper in check.

“Hayes,” he says, softer now. “You know how this looks. You know what people will say.”

I swallow hard. I do know.

I also know he’s right.

“She’s not a kid anymore,” I say quietly.

“Maybe not. But you and I both know she deserves better than… this.” He gestures between us, his meaning clear.

I look away, the words cutting deeper than I want to admit.

“I’m taking her home,” he says.

I nod stiffly, throat too tight to speak.

When I step back inside, Elise is already pulling on her boots, her expression stricken.

“Elise—” I start.

But she shakes her head, her mouth a firm line.

“I know,” she whispers. “I have to go.”

I don’t stop her.

I can’t.

I watch as she gathers her things, avoiding my gaze. With barely more than a parting glance, she slips out the door.

It closes behind them with a finality that guts me.

I stand there for a long moment, the cabin suddenly too empty, too quiet.

Maybe I should’ve fought harder.

Maybe I should’ve said something.

Instead, I let her go. Without a God-damn word.

SEVEN

ELISE

It’s amazing how fast a life can unravel.

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