“Abby, no. Don’t even think like that let alone say it,” I chide her. “I won’t hear that from you or anyone else.”
Tasha wouldn’t say that anyway, would she?
“Why not? It’s true,” Abby shouts, pushing me away so she can get up, covering herself as she stands, ready to leave me behind.
But I won’t let her get far.
She’s just mad is all.
Confused.
“Abby. C’mere.”
I stand, urging her to come back to me. And I’m glad when she does.
I hold her close as I remind her that as much as she’s down on herself sometimes, I don’t see her that way. And never will.
“Well Tasha must,” she says, sniffing at first until her body shakes with tears instead of pleasure.
“Otherwise she’d never have—” But I don’t let her finish.
I don’t believe my eyes.
“What? Slade?” Abby asks as I let go of her and make my way toward the front door, long before the bell chimes.
I watch him walk right up the driveway, bold as brass.
Little fucker.
“Brad Smith,” I growl, swinging the door wide open, staring down at him.
He’s a big guy, at least six feet. But I’m bigger and angrier than that to see this shithead anywhere near Abby’s house let alone my daughter.
His eyes widen and he swallows hard.
“Mr. Peters,” he practically squeaks my name, and then clears his throat trying to sound in control but losing. “What are you doing here?”
And I just know he’s here to ask Abby where Tasha is.
“I should ask you the same.”
I move to block what little view he might have of inside the house, Abby hurrying down the hall to her room.
Getting herself decent like a good girl.
No way in hell anyone’s gonna see her the way only I can.
Especially Brad.
“I was gonna ask Abby if she’s heard from Tasha,” Brad reasons confidently. “I tried calling and messaging her bu—”
Before he can finish, I’ve got my arm around his neck, lifting him a good four inches off the ground as both his hands claw helplessly at my arm.
The muscles in my arm are so tight I might forget how to relax if he doesn’t get the hint I’m giving him.
“You and my daughter. You’re finished, got it?” I growl in his ear. “And if I see you here or anywhere near Abby or Tasha, we’ll have this little talk again but I won’t be so nice.”
I loosen my grip before he faints, letting him slump against the wall while he gets his breath. Gets enough to try and speak again, but I shake my head, warning him against that.
“Leave, boy. And consider leaving the state if you’ve got any sense,” I warn him.
He spits on the ground next to him, but spins on his heel, walking away. Only looking around once he hits the street to make sure no one else saw him get so owned.
I should be wondering the same, concerned if anyone saw me do that. But that’s the old Slade, looking over his shoulder, trying to keep his head down.
Now that I’ve staked my claim on Abby, I feel more than just a little protective of her. My obsession is almost complete, and I’ll do more than threaten anyone who tries to get anywhere near her without my say-so.
Feeling an arm hook around my waist, I look down then up at the street again.
Making sure Brad stays gone.
“What happened?” Abby asks, feeling just how tense I am. My whole body was so tense I could snap.
“Let’s just say that if I’ve put myself firmly in Tasha’s bad book,” I explain cryptically.
Meaning: If Tasha doesn’t hate me already once she finds out about me and her best friend, she’s sure to if and when she finds out about what just happened with Brad.
“You didn’t?” Abby asks, but I shake my head.
“Just a fatherly warning, and a fair one at that,” I grunt. Forcing myself to forget about it as I step back inside with Abby.
A little disappointed she’s dressed now, but we really should get moving.
“Why don’t we just take off someplace, just the two of us?” I ask her, feeling like it might be the best option on so many levels.
“Like where?” Abby says, looking unsure of herself.
“Like… The open road. Wherever the wind takes us.” Trying and failing to excite her with visual imagery.
“I know, I know. Your mom will be home soon and then someone else will be on my case,” I groan.
I puff air out of my cheeks, feeling like Tasha might have the right idea. But just a touch put out that Abby doesn’t share my excitement.
She’s silent for a moment and then surprises me.
“You know what? I’ll just grab a few things. I can text mom on the way,” she says with renewed determination in her voice.
I watch with pride and a little longing, her fine ass swaying as she makes her way back to her room.