Page 29 of The Ruckup
Bringing one hand to her face, I cradle her cheek. “I’ve had problems with my parents for a long time, Miss Miller. What’s going on between me and them has been coming for a while.” Since I was old enough to see the imbalance. The unfairness. The expectations and the incompetence.
I know if my mom isn’t complaining then I shouldn’t be, but damn it’s hard to take my dad seriously when he pretends he can’t fucking boil water.
Leaning in, I press a kiss to her forehead, savoring our last few seconds together. “Call me if you need me. I’ll come wherever you are.”
I have to hope Drake wouldn’t have the balls to break the protection order again. Especially so soon and with her parents as witnesses, but I’m also not sure I’d put anything past that asshole. It makes leaving Maddie behind hard as hell.
But I can’t go with her, and she can’t go with me.
Yet.
After walking to the door, I take one more glance back, soaking up the sight of her in my home, before heading out into the cool morning air.
The drive to my parents’ house is an easy one since very few people are on the road, and when I pull up, I’m surprised to see I’m the first one there. It’s odd Gavin hasn’t arrived, and unheard of that my sister isn’t already inside, but I don’t havetime to dwell on their absence because my mom has the door open before I’m even out of my car.
And the expression on her face isn’t promising.
I climb out, hauling along the gifts I have for everyone, doing my best to act like nothing’s up.
As I reach the porch, I meet her glare head on, offering a smile that feels tight on my face. “Merry Christmas.”
Babs angles a brow at me before turning away and marching into the house, leaving me to follow behind.
And I do. If this is about to be a shitshow, I’m walking into it with my chin up. Ready to fight for what I want.
For what will keep Maddie safe.
I’ve barely made it into the kitchen before my dad’s booming voice fills the house. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
I set the gifts on the counter and square my shoulders. “You’re going to have to be more specific than that.”
My dad’s face immediately starts to turn red. “I’m talking about you fucking around with Maddie Miller after your mother specifically told you not to.”
“I’m notfuckingaround with Maddie.” For some reason it’s important that my dad knows that. For him to understand this isn’t about getting my dick wet.
“You know what I goddamn mean, Leo.” A little spit flies from his mouth. “You were supposed to stay away from that poor girl. She’s supposed to be getting her life together, not starting a new relationship before her divorce is even final. Instead you’reout starting fights with her ex and causing problems with her parents.”
Sounds like Maddie’s parents talked to her attorney.
And then called my parents to spread the shit.
The first fucking thing I’m doing when I get home is finding a new attorney for Maddie. As soon as the holiday’s over, I’m going to start making phone calls and scheduling appointments, because this is fucking ridiculous.
For both of us.
Crossing both arms over my chest, I stare my dad down. “I’m not sure why you think you get to have an opinion on this.”
He sputters, seeming shocked that I’m not bowing down to his command. As he opens his mouth to hurl God only knows what sort of bullshit at me, my sister Alexis suddenly appears in the doorway, with Gavin right behind her.
She scans the room, voice sharp as she asks, “What’s going on?”
I just keep staring back at my mom and dad, disgusted they’ve taken Maddie’s parents’ side. That they’re refusing to even consider what’s actually best for her.
Alexis raises one brow, focusing on me. Probably because she knows I’m the one most likely to answer her. And I am.
Because I’m on the right side of things and I know it.
“They’re acting like two consenting adults can’t do what they want.” My jaw is so tight it’s aching, and I have to force my teeth to unclench. Cracking a molar isn’t going to help anything.
