“Are you all right?”

She shook her head, smoothing her hair. “I am now.” She glared at Alan’s sprawled figure. “I’ll be better once I speak my mind.”

Alan grunted from the pavement, struggling to get to his feet. Blood spurted from his nose, and he clutched his balls in agony. I lifted my foot, pressing down on his shoulder. “I’d stay down where you belong, you little maggot. I think the lady has something to say, and I have a feeling she has no problem taking another swing at you.” I hunched over him. “And this time, I’d help.”

I kept my foot on his shoulder as I straightened up. “Sweet Pea, the floor is yours.”

She crossed her arms. Her voice was direct and clear. “All these years, I’ve hated you. For how you treated me, what you said about my daughter—the total disregard you had for her, for her life. But after tonight, I realized I don’t hate you at all.”

I was surprised by her words.

“You mean nothing. I can’t hate nothing. You are worthless. You’re a nasty, lonely, sad little man trying to prove to the world you’re something else.” She crouched down. “My daughter? She is the most amazing little person. And the best part is she has nothing of you in her. Not a thing. She is sunshine and light. Filled with love and goodness. She is all me.”

I clapped slowly. “I’ll second that.”

Alan glared at her, not speaking. He pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, trying to stanch the blood. He still grimaced every time he shifted, and I felt a flash of pride at how hard she must have kicked him.

“She is going to go forward in this world and make it better. She is going to do great things. Without any help from you. You know, she’s never even asked me about you. Her little life is so full, she has no need.” She looked at me and smiled. “Especially since this wonderful man came into our world. He is everything you aren’t. Warm, loving, generous. He doesn’t see what’s wrong with her or me. He only sees what’s right. We both love him so much.”

Our eyes locked, and my heart rate picked up. Every time I didn’t think I could fall more in love with this woman, she proved me wrong.

“So, thanks, Alan, for being such an ass. Because of you, I found a real man to love. Lucy found someone who accepts her for just being Lucy—which is pretty damn perfect. We’re both so happy.” She laughed. “Once again, the exact opposite of you. But that’s how it’s always been. I’m glad to be out of it.”

She held out her hand. “Can we go home now, Liam?”

I couldn’t help the little kick my foot made as I lifted it off Alan’s shoulder. I took her hand, and we began to walk away as he struggled to sit. “Bitch,” he sneered, the sound muffled, but I heard it.

I turned and walked back. He hadn’t realized I could hear him. He shook his head, panic flaring in his eyes. I crouched down close, smelling his fear. “Remember something. Landscaping. I own the company. I think you figured that out from my dad, right? It requires a lot of dirt and big machines. I have it all. You so much as breathe her name, appear accidentally any place she is at? I ever see you around her or Lucy? I will find you and bury you so deep, you will never be discovered.” I met his terrified eyes. “They are mine. I protect what is mine. That’s what gardeners do. We bury shit.” I stood. “Are we clear?”

I smelled the urine before I saw the puddle under him. As I expected, a bully was never as brave when his opponent was bigger than him.

I took Paige’s hand. “I think we’re done.”

She didn’t look back. “I think so too.”

I got her in the car and out of the parking lot fast. In my rearview mirror, I saw Alan hobbling across the lot toward his car. I had no idea where his wife was and, frankly, didn’t care. I was done thinking about him.

I saw Paige flex her hand with a grimace.

“Sore, tiger?”

She giggle-hiccupped, followed by a sob, and I pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store. I hurried in, grabbed a bag of frozen peas, and tossed some money on the counter, not worrying about the change. I opened her door and crouched beside her, examining her hand. The knuckles were a little swollen, and I could see she was going to bruise. I wrapped the peas around her hand and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“Are you okay, Sweet Pea?”

She nodded. “I-I’m fine. A little shaky.”

“The adrenaline rush is fading. Your right hook is pretty impressive. And we might need to register your foot as a lethal weapon. Alan’s gonna have some pretty sore junk for the next while.”

Tags: Melanie Moreland Vested Interest - ABC Corp Romance
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