Page 121 of A Forever Love

And for once in my life, I’ll let someone physically overpower me, because I get her in return.

The first fist lands on the side of my face.

“You were supposed to keep her safe, not prey on her.” Keith’s words are laced with anger. “I trusted you, and now I don’t know what else you tainted in her life with your filthy hands.”

Another punch slams into my stomach, and his blows keep coming, relentless, until my nose is bleeding, and my skull feels like it’s been tossed into a blender.

“I trusted you,” he repeats, locking eyes with mine. The hurt, betrayal, guilt—everything is crystal clear, intensifying the ache in my chest. I hate how he feels in this moment. “Did you touch her when she was still a little girl?”

His question rips me into a million shreds. I know it’s not just about me being older than Merida. It’s also about my constant presence in her life, how I was sometimes even more involved than Keith, and how he thinks he failed as a father.

For the first time since this started, Uncle Gavin intervenes. “That’s crazy, Keith! You know Carter would never do such a thing.”

When I get a moment to breathe amid the blows, I finally speak. “You know in your heart why you’re so upset.”

“Yes, I know. You’ve ruined my daughter. You played with her mind, with her thoughts. You made her dependent on you. You were supposed to be her guardian, her friend, but you seduced her into your bed. You made my sweet daughter lie to me. You—” He stops mid sentence, something registering in his brain, a realization of some sort. His eyes widen as they meet mine. “It’s because of you that she left St. Peppers. Do you even know how she suffered, you sick bastard?”

This accusation strikes me hard because it’s partly true, just not in the way Keith assumes. I halt his incoming fist with my bloody hand before it reaches my face. “She didn’t leave because I manipulated her, Keith. She left because she loved me, and she believed I didn’t love her back. Perhaps, at that time, I didn’t—not in the way she did. But now, I love her.”

“You are a sick fuck, do you know that? She’s a kid. She was five when she met you. And now I’m wondering what sort of games she played when she went on playdates with you?”

“She’s not a child anymore.” My jaw tightens, anger boiling beneath the surface at his accusations. I knew convincing Keith would be challenging, but he’s refusing to listen even for a moment. “I never looked at her inappropriately—not once when she was a kid. I’ve always done what’s best for her. Can you honestly say the same?”

“You bastard!” His next punch lands harder, striking my midsection. “I don’t want you anywhere near my daughter. If I have to leave town, the country, or go underground to keep her away from you, I’ll do just that.”

“That’s enough.” Uncle Gavin steps in, positioning himself between us once more. “I don’t want either of you, or all of us, ending up behind bars when Mere needs us here.”

Oscar pulls Keith away from me, and I notice Lukas in front of the hotel security, preventing them from intervening. Blood drips from my face, and my torn collar hangs loosely around my neck.

“Keith, Oscar will drive you back to the hospital,” Uncle Gavin continues. “Kristy has packed Mere’s bag, and it’s already in the car. For Christ’s sake, clean up before you go. The last thing Merida needs right now is to find out you two fought like animals.”

“Gavin, I don’t—” Keith begins.

“We all love Mere and want the best for her, Keith. Carter will leave tomorrow morning.”

Keith shoots me another look filled with hatred before wriggling out of Oscar’s grip and storming away. Once he’s out of earshot, I free myself from Uncle Gavin’s hold.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“He just found out you were sleeping with his daughter. Cut the man some slack, Carter.” Oscar shakes his head, watching Keith retreat into the hotel.

* * *

“Are you sure you don’t want to throw a punch before I get stitched up?” I ask Uncle Gavin, who has been uncharacteristically quiet while Lukas patches me up in my pristine hotel room.

“Don’t tempt me, kid. I just saw that room.” He points toward the secret closet door. “You had fucking condoms on the nightstand. I’m surprised Keith didn’t kill you.” He runs his hand through his hair, pacing the floor. “I dread the day I find Adrianna in bed with someone.”

“I’m right there with you, King.” Lukas’ lips twist in irritation. “After today, I’m considering scouting convents for Spring.”

“I’m so fucking doomed,” I groan. “You guys have lost your minds since you became dads.

“When you have your own daughter, you’ll understand.” Uncle Gavin finally settles into the armchair.

For a moment, my thoughts drift to a less troubled place, but a cotton ball lands right on my swollen forehead, prompting a moan.

“Stop daydreaming about your future kids!” he demands. “Keith isn’t letting you near Mere with a ten-foot pole anytime soon.”

Lukas chuckles as he uses scissors to cut the bandage covering my face. “That’s all I can do for now.”

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