Page 64 of I Should Hate You-but I Don't

"We've had a string of forest fires springing up around the border of the compound. The sheriff's office believes it was arson. They have a couple suspects they're nosing around asking about but haven't pinpointed the crimes on anyone yet." He shrugged. "It's a couple of Valdone."

"What are you doing about it?"

He met his dad's gaze. "I'm doing what needs to be done."

While he'd used his dad as a sounding board in the past, he took full responsibility for the club and didn't need anyone's opinion or advice.

His dad leaned back until his arms straightened. He gritted his teeth.

"Spit it out." His dad sniffed, looking around the room. "You came here for a reason. Don't waste my time."

"I need you to get Tom Pruitt to accept my visitation request." He lowered his voice. "Better yet, have him get approval to see me with his real name."

"Son, you're sounding like a broken record. I've already told you it's impossible to see him." His dad's cheek twitched. "Go home."

"Tell Pruitt his daughters know he's alive." He held his dad's gaze. "While you're at it, tell him they're under the protection of Gem Haven Motorcycle Club. If he has a problem with that..." Tension gripped his jaw. "Tell him to go to hell."

The legs of his chair scraped the floor as he left the table. His chest filled with air, and he walked confidently to the door.

He wasn't going to sit there and play whatever fucked up head game his dad and Pruitt had going. They could find another fucker to do their bidding.

The guard stepped forward. "Visiting hour isn't over until one o'clock. You still have a half hour."

"I'm done." He turned around and looked at his dad.

Ridge Stafford's gaze locked on him. His father was unbending, strong, and resilient. Throughout his life, there was no man stronger than his dad. Even with his hair and beard grayed, his shoulders were proud, and his mind was sharp.

But his dad wasn't the only one who'd earned a reputation.

For years, he'd done whatever his dad and Pruitt wanted in order to protect River. But he was calling the shots.

River belonged to him.

He'd protected her for the last nine years. He'd keep her for the rest of his life. And he'd take out anyone threatening to take her away from him.

His dad dipped his chin. Despite his dad's reluctance to help him when it came to Tom Pruitt, there was pride in his father's gaze.

The door unlocked. He turned around and walked out of the visitor's room.

It was a long ride back to Gem Haven. To River.

Chapter Thirty

River

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Lori set the last container of food in the paper bag. "Okay, now that the food is taken care of, do you want to tell me what has you looking like you're lost?"

Her throat closed, fighting the tears. "I'm okay."

"Bullshit, baby." Lori placed her hands on her shoulders. "I've watched you go through every emotion through the years, and this is a new one."

She couldn't tell Lori about her relationship with Zane or that her dad was sitting on death row after believing he was dead for half her life. The pain in her chest throbbed, reminding her of the emptiness inside of her where her heart used to live.

"Are you having trouble with your sister?" Lori's eyes softened. "I have three. I'm the oldest, and most days, I wish I was an only sibling."

It wasn't that she wished her sister hadn't come to Gem Haven. She was glad Kenna was here. But the constant negative comments directed at Kingsley and even Zane wore on her.

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