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.
