Page 60 of Shadow and Skulls

Chapter Nineteen

Kelsie

My dad’s brows pull together as he watches me at the window. He and my mom have been talking quietly in the kitchen. I noticed she locked his piece in the gun safe as soon as we got home. I think she knows what’s about to go down.

When he hears a bike pull in, she steps in front of him, blocking his way to the living room. He picks her clean off the floor and sets her ass on the counter. I place my back against the door.

“I’m ready to tell you who I was with,” I say quickly.

Instantly, he stops. “Oh, hell no. If that’s Ash, I’m going to kill that kid.”

My mom looks at me sadly.

“It’s not Ash.”

The knock on the door makes me jump, and my heart beats out of my chest. “Just please, Dad …” My voice trembles and I swallow, trying to steady it. “I’ve never asked you for anything. Just please don’t kill him.”

I turn and open the door. Tank’s green eyes connect with mine briefly before they raise over my head.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” my dad roars behind me.

“Dan,” my mom grabs his arm, holding him back.

Well, I guess she’s not holding him back. That would be impossible. He hasn’t moved because he’s frozen in place. I think he’s in shock.

I grab Tank’s hand and pull him inside, turning to put myself between him and my parents. “Dad, please. Just hear us out.”

“He’s a fucking traitor,” he spits.

“Dan. Let’s just listen to what they have to say,” my mom tries again. She manages to back him up and push him into a chair.

I pull Tank farther into the room, sitting him on the opposite side of the table as my father. God, my dad’s face is so red. This isn’t a good start.

“I’ve come to ask permission to date your daughter,” Tank begins.

My dad laughs and I cringe, kicking Tank under the table. I think we’re a little past that.

“Oh, is that what this is? Don’t you think this question should have been asked before you spent the night with her?” Dan cracks his neck from side to side. “Go get my gun,” he tells my mom, not looking away from Tank.

“Dan, don’t be ridiculous.” She laughs nervously. “He’s not serious,” she tells Tank.

“Fuck I ain’t,” my dad growls. “I warned this motherfucker.”

Tank tips his head. “Actually, you told me she was your baby.”

I kick him harder, and he laughs.

“Kelsie, go to your room,” my dad orders.

My attention goes to him. “Dad.”

“Now.”

Time slows.

“No.”

Reluctantly, he pulls his gaze from Tank to look at me. “Kelsie.”

---