Page 129 of Forget

The Boss:

Would you like to tell me why my daughter is ignoring my communication efforts?

My lips twistto the side as I read his message, because I can practically hear the irritation in his words. May as well pull off the bandaid.

Me:

She found out who Hayes is, and that we lied to her. Aisling thinks, by association, that you also lied to her. Things are pretty rough right now, but she’s upset. I think she’s avoiding you.

The Boss:

No shit, Sherlock. I need to speak to her.

Me:

She’s going to Pack Mohan’s house tonight. I got a text from Shaw threatening my knot if I refused to bring her or let him pick her up.

The Boss:

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes Aisling gets in her head and falls off the face of the earth. Wren calls in her need for ‘proof of life’ when that happens.

I rememberwhen I once experienced just that, and I start to see the pattern. Aisling is responsible for a lot of people and moving parts. The omega I spoke to at the outreach center has an aunt who is trying to take her kids from her.

I don’t typically do family court, but I can manage the chaotic waters well. I promised to show up for her in court and get it thrown out.

I also decided then and there that I was going to call a few law offices in different practices who take new lawyers to ask them if they need pro bono hours.Omega’s Haven’sclients need representation badly.

Me:

I don’t think she’s handling things very well, boss. I’m worried.

The Boss:

If you fuck up, you fix it. Give Aisling an outlet for her anger, or she may throw her knife at you.

Me:

Hayes is going to have a new scar. She ran from him.

The Boss:

You kidnapped her and thought she’d take it lying down? You have a lot to learn about my daughter. I hope she takes your knots and hangs them from a necklace.

Cuppingmy knot through my pants, I wince. Jesus, Cian is savage.

Me:

The vote of confidence is appreciated.

Stuffing my phone away,I look up and see that Aisling is gone. Brows knitting, I tense, eyes on the locker rooms.

“Have some patience, man. She’s taking a shower and changing,” Gabriel says as he passes me.

I don’t relax until she comes out, hair wet and thrown into a messy bun. I want to fuss at her for not blow drying it, but hold my tongue. If she gets sick, I’ll just make her let me take care of her.

I spend the rest of the day driving her around, the temperature dropping. It’s only when we drop off bags full of clothing, from a thrift store, for theOmega’s Havenemergency closet that she throws in the towel.

“I’m done,” she groans, stretching her legs out in the vehicle. “I can call Shaw to drive me out to their house if you don’t want to?—”

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