Page 284 of Kept by her Daddies (Harem of Daddies)

“She should never have been in that car. She wasn’t supposed to have a boyfriend!” her mother said.

“What? Was she just supposed to stay at home and skate? Never have a life but the one you had mapped out for her?” Jameson asked in a calm voice. “I suppose you were hoping that she’d get a medal at the Olympics, and then what? Sponsorships? Money? Or was it just the idea of being able to lord it over the neighbors?”

“This is none of your business!” her mother snarled.

He wasn’t wrong, though. They’d likely been hoping for all those things. All of their hopes had been pinned on her. And for so long she’d borne the brunt of their disappointment and anger. But no more.

“It wasn’t my fault. Yes, I got in the car. But I didn’t know we’d crash. I just wanted to be normal. To have fun. I was never allowed to do anything but go to school and train.”

Her mother reared back. “So now you’re saying we’re bad parents?”

“I am,” Jack told them.

“I’m just saying that you had high expectations. I’m sorry I couldn’t make you proud, but I’m tired of you calling me a disappointment. If you won’t tell me what happened to Uncle Willy, then I’ll have to find out on my own.”

Turning, she walked toward the door.

“Leave this house and you’re dead to me, Margaret!” her mother screeched.

Maggie sucked in a harsh breath. It hurt more than she thought it would. But she didn’t stop. They weren’t her family. Not anymore. Now, she had her men. She had Uncle Willy and Indie. They were her family.

She walked outside with her men behind her. She didn’t realize she was shaking until Ian drew her into his side, rubbing her back. Maggie buried her face in his sweater.

“I hate this. I hate it.”

Jack moved in behind her.

“You did so well, Maggie,” Jameson told her. “We’re so proud of you.”

Turning her head, she gave him a tremulous smile.

“I’m going to get us a ride to the hotel,” Jameson said, bringing out his phone. He’d just put it away when the door opened and her dad walked out.

She pushed her way out from between Jack and Ian. Although Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders as Ian took hold of her hand. Jameson shocked her by stepping in front of her.

She gaped at him for a moment, then shook her head to clear it.

I am not turned on by his protectiveness. I am not.

Such a liar.

“Jameson, it’s all right.”

Jameson grunted and moved slightly to the side so she could see her dad.

“Dad,” she said carefully.

“Your mother will come around.”

Maggie shook her head. Truthfully? She didn’t much care. She was done. Totally done.

“Not this time, Dad. It’s too late. I just want to know where Uncle Willy is.”

Her dad nodded, looking sad and old. “I understand. I wrote down the place where she had him admitted. He wasn’t in a good way when he got here. Another knock to the head on top of the one he’d had . . . it wasn’t good. He spent several days in the hospital before your mother had him moved to a long-term facility. I have no doubt that when he’s feeling better, he’ll come back swinging.”

“Thank you,” she said, taking the piece of paper.

“It’s the least I can do. These . . . these men are protective of you.”

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