Page 29 of April 5

"He'll never let you."

"What if I have a job? You can hire me." She rubbed her lips together in worry. "I can serve drinks."

"No, Kat." He cupped her cheek. "Let's get through today before we start worrying about tomorrow, huh?"

"I'll text Cora and let her know we returned. She'll probably want the van back at the house." She paused. "Unless you'll let me stay here."

"It's not going to matter. Knowing your dad, he'll stay in the van with you to keep me away." He walked to the sliding door and let himself out.

With heavy footsteps, he headed toward the back door. Out of his peripheral vision, he watched Ruger head toward him. Katrina's dad wasn't going to waste any time.

Ruger's fist arrived first.

Pain radiated along Jagger's jaw, whipping his body around. A scream penetrated his head, knocking the truth into him. He shook his head, getting his vision straight, and faced Ruger.

"I'm in no mood, brother." He raised his hands out to the side. "Go ahead and kill me. Put me out of my misery."

No," screamed Katrina. "Dad, don't."

Ruger never glanced at his daughter. All his attention was on Jagger. He lowered his arms. For eighteen fucking years that Ruger was locked up, Jagger made sure Katrina had everything she needed.

He'd fought long. Suffered year after year. For what? To walk away and be miserable?

This lifestyle was hard.

His dad's life was cut short. He'd watched his mom miss his dad every single day after his death.

He wouldn't spend the rest of his days never having the one thing he wanted.

Katrina ran between them, putting her hands on her dad's chest. "Don't hit him."

"Get out of my way." Ruger sidestepped.

Katrina jumped in his path. "Damnit, Dad. It's time you listen to me."

Jagger's spine stiffened. Katrina had mouthed off to everyone in the clubhouse and held her own against the bikers throughout the years, but she had never once gone up against her dad.

Her tough exterior was a coat of armor for the vulnerability of not wanting to lose anyone again.

Until now, she had never shown that side to anyone but Jagger because she feared she wouldn't be good enough to love.

"You can't stop Jagger from being with me." Katrina stepped back, glancing between the two men. "I love him."

Rugger growled. "You don't fucking lov—"

"You don't know." Her voice rose, and she patted her chest. "You don't know me. All the years you were in prison, who do you think I went to when I needed something?"

"Mama Sue," said Ruger.

She shook her head. "Every time I needed my dad, who do you think I went to?"

"God damnit, Kat," grumbled Ruger, fisting his hands. "I'm not in prison now."

Jagger was ready to jump between father and daughter. Emotions ran high already. It wouldn't take much for Ruger to lose control or for Katrina to say something she'd regret. While he understood what Katrina was saying and supported her one hundred percent, they were words that cut a man to his core.

"You're not in prison anymore. I'm twenty-four years old. I have a right to be with Jagger." Katrina's voice softened. "I don't care what is happening between the both of you. Just know that if you kill him, my relationship with you is over. I will never forgive you."

"You'd pick him over me?" Ruger's head tilted, and his gaze narrowed.

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