Jason, obviously more under control now, slowly relaxes his arms, leans against the edge of the chair closest to him. “Where is Shawn now?”
I stare at the man who is far more bound to protect Taylor than I am. Yet part of me wants to take that right from him. He might have raised her, but I can’t stop the voice from telling me: she’s mine to protect. “He’s been keeping his distance, staying in the Haight.”
Jason arches his brows over his stern eyes. “That’s all you’re going to tell me?”
“I’m afraid that’s all I know.” It’s a lie, but it’s a lie for Taylor. I imagine the last thing she wants is her father beating the living shit out of her ex-boyfriend, which by the wrath burning on Jason’s face is exactly what he wants to do.
While I sympathize, since I wouldn’t mind using Shawn as my personal punching bag, that’s not what Taylor wants.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see that she remains frozen in her seat. Angry at me and embarrassed by the situation, I’m sure. I stay focused on Jason, letting him process what I’ve told him.
He eventually does, and turns to Taylor and says, “You will not keep any more secrets like this. Promise me.”
“I promise,” she says softly.
“You will tell me if you see him at all?” he presses.
She nods. “Yeah.”
“I expect you to go to the police station and get a restraining order,” he finishes.
She nods again.
Jason sighs, obvious relief filling his face. “Good.”
He believes her. I don’t. I see the lie in her eyes. She has no intention of pressing charges against Shawn, and I don’t know why that is. Taylor is a smart and strong woman; there’s got to be a good reason for why she’s holding back. I intend to find out that reason.
Pam grabs Taylor and pulls her into her arms. “I’ll never understand why you didn’t feel like you could tell me this, honey.”
Taylor leans her head against her mom’s shoulder. “I didn’t want to worry you, and I’m really okay.”
I clench my fists, my muscles quivering. Taylor shouldn’t have had to deal with any of this. And if I could’ve just been the man she needed me to be…
My thoughts stutter when I notice Jason approaching me. I’m preparing myself for a verbal lashing, but all the tension invading me is worthless, I realize, when he asks, “You’ll be in touch if anything develops with Shawn?”
“Of course.”
Her father gives me a tight nod and squeezes my shoulder. “I appreciate what you’re doing for her, Darius. You’re a good man.” Then he moves toward the door.
My breath catches, and I feel like I’ve been sucker punched in the throat. Warmth seeps from his touch and it makes me dizzy. I feel as if I’m being watched and I notice then that Pam is approaching me and Taylor is studying me closely.
Too closely.
Even Allie’s head is cocked, watching my every move. I feel the walls close in slightly, so I turn and open the door for Jason and Pam, staying quiet as everyone says their goodbyes.
When I turn back and see Allie watching
me again, I gesture toward the door. “You too.”
“Wow. Getting kicked out of my own condo,” she grumbles, even if it has little strength. “You’re such a sweet big brother.”
I smirk at her. “I’m the only one you got.”
Allie rolls her eyes at me and then kisses Taylor on the cheek. “Call me if you need me. I’ll be over here in a flash.”
Taylor gives a small smile. “Thanks for coming to check in.”
“Never say thanks. You know I’d be here even if you didn’t want me,” Allie says, rising from the couch.