He wanted Kyle out of their lives. For good.
Chase pulled Shelby in for another searing kiss. He hadn’t seen her since she left this morning for work, and his need for her grew through the day. He’d slake that need tonight. She looked great in a pair of black leggings and a black-and-white-plaid flannel shirt. He loved her new haircut and her new sense of self. It showed in her eyes and her easy smile.
Shelby kept her arms around his waist and leaned back to look up at him. “We have the restraining order now.”
The judge had been all too happy to sign off on it for them right in front of Kyle.
Chase didn’t think a piece of paper would do anything to keep Kyle away. “Hunt and his buddies on the force are aware of it and ready to help if we need them.”
She rolled her eyes. “We both know Kyle is never going to stop.”
“We stay alert. Hunt will be doing some drive-bys of your work when you’re there.”
“How are things between you two?”
He shrugged, unsure how to answer. “Better. I think. He’s hard to read. But he’s willing to help us out with this.”
She smiled up at him. “He showed up for Pancake Tuesday this past week.”
That was encouraging. Chase hoped he showed up every week, so they could continue working on getting back to the way things used to be when they were all best friends.
Eliza ran past them, chasing Remmy. “I want pancakes,” she called out.
Shelby smiled. “Breakfast for dinner it is.”
Chase cupped her cheek. “I know you say you’re fine even though you’re worried. We’ll get through this thing with Kyle.”
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I know. I just wish he’d go away and never come back.”
If only he could make that wish come true.
If Kyle came for his family, Chase would take him down.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Kyle hated the smug looks on his parents’ faces.
“We told you this wouldn’t work. Nothing will. You’re nothing to Shelby and Eliza.” His father’s condescending voice echoed in his head and fueled his desire to prove him wrong, yet again.
“I will have the family I want. Just like I had the woman I wanted.”
“That girl didn’t want you. She didn’t love you. Who could love someone like you?” His mother sneered at him. She’d never helped him. She’d always stood with his father against Kyle.
“What you’ve done,” his father began.
“What I’ve done! What about what you’ve done? You made me this way!” He shook with rage and fisted his hands so tight they ached.
“You were an obstinate child. You always misbehaved. You never did what you were told.” His mother’s disapproving gaze and disappointment only made him angrier.
“You blamed the child when it was your fault! You locked me in this room. You forced me to bend to your will. Get used to being in here, because you’re never leaving!”
He spun on his heel and left the room, slamming the door and locking it behind him.
“Don’t do what you’re thinking of doing,” his mother called out. “You’ll only make things worse.” Her favorite refrain to him.
There had been many times he’d made things worse for himself, but not this time. This time, he’d get what he wanted. He’d have what he deserved. If he couldn’t have Rebecca back, he’d have his daughter and grandchild.
No one would stop him.