Page 112 of Safe and Sound

Callum’s brows disappeared into his hairline. “Christ on a cross, Dare. Tell me you didn’t.”

“Aye. I did.”

Jabbing his finger at the door, he said, “Get the fuck out.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Get the fuck out of here, and go meet your child.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

“Then man the fuck up and do it.”

“I didn’t say I was afraid.”

“You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”

I swallowed hard, trying to fight my emotions. “What if she’s like me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Da said I was a waste of his essence.”

“You’re seriously not quoting that fucker like his opinion was worth shite.”

“I mean, like my dyslexia.”

Callum shrugged. “Then you’ll get the lass a tutor. Since you know what helped, you can help her.”

“I’m not a good man.”

“And I am?”

“No. But you’re a hell of a father.”

“And you will be, too.”

“I don’t know.”

“You won’t until you try. You’re awfully good with your nieces and nephews.”

“But that’s different. I play with them and then send them back to you guys. I don’t have a fucking clue about what she should be eating or what time she should go to bed.”

“Once again, you’ll learn.” He nudged my shoulder. “Now get out of here and go meet your daughter.”

Although I wanted nothing more than to hide like a pussy, I knew I had to face my fears and go back to Ava’s. Just as I reached the doorway, Callum’s words froze me.

“Don’t let your feelings for her bind you with rage.”

Slowly, I turned around. Dare gave me a knowing look. “I know you still love her. After all this time, you’re still broken by her. Despite wanting to punish her for what she did to you, fight your anger and revenge.”

“I don’t–”

He shook his head. “Yes, you do. Bury it down and think of your daughter.”

With those words in my ear, I strode out of the living room.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Ava

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