Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 87911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“Your father, if he’s not too much of a coward to come and collect his stuff.” Lily handed her the hot chocolate.
Chloe followed behind, sitting on the edge of the stairs, seeing the doorway. Lily dragged the suitcase down the stairs.
Each slap as it landed on each stair, she knew this wasn’t going to change. Kurt Decker wasn’t coming back into their lives.
Her mother wouldn’t have him back.
The boots, it was the last straw for her mother.
Tears filled Chloe’s eyes as she watched Lily take a deep breath, gathering herself together, trying to look strong, before opening the door.
Kurt was on the doorstep, but Eagle stood beside her father as well.
“Eagle, what’s going on?” Lily asked.
“I came to make sure this guy didn’t give you any trouble. You want him out of your life, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I can handle him. He’s never going to hurt me or cause me any problems. Are you, Kurt?”
“I want us to give this another try, baby. Please, for you and for Chloe.”
Chloe held the cup a little tighter. She did love her father, but this was one step too far.
“It’s too late. How many times are we going to go through this before one of us realizes this relationship is way too toxic? I’ve got to set a good example to my daughter, and waiting at home for a man who doesn’t show up when he says he’s going to, and is always fighting for something else, I can’t go through with this, not anymore. It sucks. All of this sucks. You think I want this? You think I enjoy having you on my doorstep, your belongings packed, ready to send you away?”
“Then don’t. Let me prove to you I can do this. You know I love you more than anything. You and Chloe.”
“And what happens when you get a call from Eagle, or any other brother from the club? I’ve been through this so many times. I’ve believed you and you’ve gone running back to them. No more. I don’t want to do this with you anymore. I’ve already booked an appointment with a divorce lawyer. I’ve got to do this. For myself and for Chloe.” She pulled the suitcase across the threshold.
When Kurt went to touch Lily, Eagle held him back.
“What about Chloe?”
“You can see your daughter any time you want, Kurt. I’m not going to keep her away from you. I’m hoping we can be friends. This doesn’t have to end badly. I just don’t want to be in a relationship with you anymore.”
“Come on, Kurt, grab your bag and let’s go,” Eagle said.
Lily didn’t close the door straight away. Chloe stayed on the stairs waiting. Kurt actually argued with one of the men who grabbed him, helping him move along. She didn’t see who it was, but it surprised her all the same. It was the first time she’d seen her father fight a member of the club.
“I’m so sorry, Lily,” Eagle said.
“It’s not your fault. Not really. You’ve got a better hold of my husband than I do. I should have known years ago I’d never be good enough. Especially not compared to the club.”
“Kurt’s an idiot.”
“He just wants to earn his patch.”
“You know it’ll never happen. I’ve told him repeatedly he won’t. The brothers don’t trust him.”
“And I’ve told him the same, but again, he’s determined. At least he’s got a focus in life. Thank you for being here.” Lily held onto the door. “I really need to get back.”
Eagle looked past Lily’s shoulder to Chloe. She held her hand up in greeting.
“I’ve talked to my son. He’s not going to hurt you anymore.”
“You really didn’t need to do that,” she said. On the inside, she was cringing at what it could mean. If Eagle had hurt Alfie, would she see the bruises tomorrow at school?
“I did. My son will learn one way or the other to act like a gentleman.”
“Thank you, Eagle. I do appreciate it.”
“Don’t be a stranger, Lily.” Eagle nodded at her, smiling at Chloe and then leaving.
Her mother finally closed the door.
“I think Eagle’s got a crush on you.”
“No, he doesn’t.”
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Whenever you enter a room, he’s watching you. He’s not married either.”
“Chloe, sweetheart, you’re eighteen and full of romantic ideas. Eagle doesn’t see me in any way. I’m Kurt’s problem. Not his.”
“He’s not married though.”
“I am.”
“Not for long. What will you do if Eagle keeps coming around wanting to spend some quality time?” Chloe asked, holding out the now-cooled-down hot chocolate.
“If that ever happens, which it won’t, I will deal with it.”
“And if it does happen?”
“Honey, sweetheart, I’ve been married for a long time. I’m trying to keep it together right now to prove to you I can be strong, but the truth is, I’m falling apart inside. Seeing your father like that, I wanted to take him back. My love for him hasn’t gone away. It never will. I love him so much. This isn’t going to be easy for me. I’m not going to start dating. I intend to spend as little time around men as humanly possible.” Lily sat down beside her on the stairs.