Page 91 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“Keep chirping, Barry Boy.” Kingston moved forward, and with every step he took, he forced my stepfather back, closer to the door.

“You disappoint me, Saylor. No fucking loyalty to the people that raised you. That piece-of-shit father of yours was not the one who put a roof over your head. That was me.”

A lump formed in my throat as two tears sprung from my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. “You disappoint me, too, Barry.”

Kingston bunched up the fabric on Barry’s dress shirt and kicked the door open with his foot before shoving him outside.

“I could have you arrested for putting your hands on me, you little punk.”

“Go for it. I’ll have my lawyer explain why you aren’t welcome here.” Kingston chuckled. “And stay the fuck away from her, because we’re all watching. I promise you that.”

The door closed, and Kingston rushed me, placing his large hands on each side of my face. “Are you hurt?”

“No. He didn’t touch me,” I croaked, as the tears broke free and streamed down my face. My family was such a mess. I had a father who wanted nothing to do with me and a stepfather who terrified me ninety-five percent of the time. My mother was drowning in her own bullshit, and then there was Hayes.

He’d always been my rock.

“You’re okay, Dandelion.” He wrapped his arms around me and held me tight.

“I’m fine. He didn’t do anything,” I said, pulling back and shaking my head. “I just hate that my family is such a mess.”

“Hey.” He placed his hand beneath my chin and tipped it up so my gaze would meet his. “Your family is who you make it. Hayes, me, River, Romeo, Nash, Beefcake, Demi, Ruby, and Peyton. My grandmother. That’s your family. And we’re not a mess at all.”

I swiped at my face, hating that I’d let Barry get to me. “I know. I’m fine.”

“Saylor. You don’t have to be fine on my behalf. That man is fucked up. He said some terrible things. You’re allowed to feel bad about it. But he’s not your family, and you need to know that. He doesn’t get to come near you. I’ll show up every fucking time. I promise I will.”

“How did you know he was here?”

“I have some friends keeping an eye on him, letting me know if he is seen in the vicinity of your bookstore. I heard he was downtown and knew he was coming to see you. Something in my gut told me that was true.”

Nash came through the door, eyes wide, as he looked around. “What happened?”

“He was here. Did his best to make her feel bad. And now he’s gone.”

“Oh my gosh,” I groaned. “You didn’t both need to come down here.”

Before they could respond, River and Romeo came hurrying through the door.

“Fuck. I was training someone and didn’t have my phone on me. I saw Nash’s call and came running over here. What happened?” Romeo asked as he stalked around the bookstore as if Barry was hiding in the bookshelves.

“Same. I was with a client and then saw the call.” River ran a hand through his hair.

“She’s all right. That fucker took his shot. But he’s gone, and I think he got the message loud and clear,” Kingston said, but his gaze never left me.

Romeo’s phone rang, and he looked down. “It’s Hayes. His ears must be burning.”

I knew they wouldn’t reach out to him about it until they knew if he’d come here. But my brother had always had a sixth sense about these things, so I wasn’t shocked he was calling.

I heard Romeo filling him in, and then he asked to speak to Kingston.

“Yeah. I’ve got you, brother. Don’t you worry. I won’t let her out of my sight.” Kingston stood in front of me, stroking my shoulder with his calloused fingers. “Yep. She can stay at my house if you’re concerned.”

“Give me the phone,” I said, shaking my head and taking the phone from Kingston’s hand. “Let me talk to him.”

“You all right, Say?” Hayes sounded really tired, and I immediately regretted giving him anything to worry about.

“I’m fine. He didn’t do anything other than tell me how horrible we are for cutting him out of our lives.” I let a long sigh leave my lips. “Kingston scared him off. I don’t think he’ll be back.”

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