“I gave you everything!”
“You gave me nothing!”
“You ungrateful son of a bitch!”
As soon as we were at the front door, I shoved him away from me to open it.
“Just think about it for one second!” he argued, finding his footing. “How much do you really know about her?”
“More than I know about you, and the only thing I do know is that you’re nothing but a fucking liar! Now get the fuck out! I’m done with you!”
“You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“I’ve never been clearer about anything in all my life. I cut ties with you a long time ago, and you know why. I did what you wanted, but I don’t give a shit anymore! You mean nothing to me! I’m done with you now!”
“You’re going to choose that slut over your fa—”
Not only did I knock his ass out, but I also threw him out of my home. He landed on the pavement and his body rolled across on the concrete until he was facedown.
With one foot in front of the other, I halted my steps when I was hovering above him. Crouching to his level, I roughly gripped onto his hair and yanked his head back to stare deep into his eyes.
There was only one thing left to say.
Through a clenched jaw, I snarled, “This is the last time I’ll ever see you again. I’m through with your threats. You’re dead to me now. Do you hear me?!”
He groaned in agony, and I shoved him away. His body laid limp on the cement. I meant every word I’d said. My state of mind was in one place only—I needed to make things right with Sophie. It was all that mattered to me anymore.
His power over me had ended. I hated that it had taken this long for me to realize what a mistake I had made, and letting him get to me was something I’d forever regret.
Backing away, I slammed the door before spinning around and glaring right at my mother.
“I don’t ever want to see him again! He’s nothing but a piece of shit, and I’ve known that for very a long time.”
“Jax, I… I…” Mom mumbled, shaking her head. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him. I didn’t know he’d act like this. I would never—”
“You don’t know him at all! He’s a sorry-ass excuse for a father and a shitty ass husband! You deserve better than what he’s ever given you. I’m done being a fucking pawn in his lies and manipulation.”
“What are you covering for him? I don’t understand.”
“If you want to continue to ignore what’s been blatantly in your face, then that’s on you. I won’t keep you from seeing Ben, but don’t think for one second that he’s ever going to see my son again! I have spent years falling victim to his bullshit!”
“What are you talking about?” Mom stressed while my eyes focused on Sophie.
She was frozen.
Pale as a ghost.
Her eyes were wide, and her mouth was open.
The way she was looking at me, feeling me, still loving me…
I saw it written clear across her expression. She couldn’t hide it from me anymore. I wouldn’t allow it. The time had come to finally express what I should have spoken years ago.
Regardless of the consequences.
My gaze shifted back to my mom and Miss Carlisee, and feeling the weight of his lies, I set myself free.
Never breaking my intense stare, I spoke my truth, “I gave up the one girl who ever meant something to me, and it’s the biggest regret of my life. I won’t ever allow that to happen again. I know now more than ever that Sophie is the love of my life. Do you understand me?! From the moment she stepped out of your car, I have loved your daughter, Miss Carlisee, and I’ve never stopped. Time, years, distance! It never changed! I couldn’t tell her then, but I sure as shit can now!”