Page 64 of Fearless Bond

“Then you must have documents confirming that.”

His smile widened. “I don’t have them with me.”

“Dad,” Calvin said loudly. “Lying to law enforcement is not a good idea.”

I could feel him shivering, but his tone spoke more of anger than fear. I ran my hand up and down his back. I was so damned proud of him. I wanted nothing more than to hoist him into my arms and carry him away from here, but he’d asked me to let him deal with his father alone, so I stood my ground and held my mouth shut.

“Mr. Mason, let me…” Damian began, but Mason gave him a withering glare.

“Shut up,” he spat before facing Calvin again. His nostrils flared. “Come.Now. Or I swear you’re not getting a single dime from me. Everything you think you own, I’ll take it away like this.” He snapped his fingers.

Calvin didn’t seem affected by the threat. “Those things don’t mean as much to me as you think they do. I didn’t want it to come this far, but you’re not listening to me, and you’re givingme no choice. We can say goodbye now, and you’ll leave knowing I’m healthy and happy.” He paused. “Or I’ll ask Sheriff Klondike to escort you out of town and put a restraining order on Damian and you.”

“Do you think I’ll leave you in the middle of nowhere with complete strangers, knowing you’re unwell? You’re out of your mind!”

Edvard Mason got red in the face as his voice rose. But Calvin spoke louder, interrupting him.

“I’m very well. I’ve never been better. In fact, as soon as I was far enough away from Damian and you, I wasn’t anxious anymore. But you don’t care about my well-being. You only want to control me. It suited you when I was feeling like shit, when I was at my weakest, because you could make me do whatever you wanted. Not anymore, Dad. I’m done. I’m finished with Damian, and I’m done with your bullshit. I’ll be making my own decisions from now on, including where I live, with whom, and about the healthcare I need.”

I could tell from his father’s shocked face that Calvin had never spoken like that to him before.

“You are coming with me!” he roared.

“No,” Calvin replied. “And by the way, I’m pregnant with Barclay’s baby. Good luck digging your car out of the snow.”

With that, Calvin slipped from under my arm and marched toward the house. I hurried after him.

20

CALVIN

My heart was pounding like crazy, but it didn’t feel like fear. I was strangely excited. Really angry too, but mostly excited.

In the kitchen, I faced Barclay, who gazed at me with concern.

I grinned up at him. “That went well.”

Barclay shook his head incredulously. “Um. If you say so.”

“I mean, he was horrible. But I think he got the message.”

Barclay’s eyebrows flew up. “You expressed yourself crystal clear. It might take him a while to process.”

He hugged me, and I stretched on my tiptoes to kiss him.

“You were on fire out there,” he murmured against my lips.

“I’ve never seen him so mad.”

“Serves him right.” He smiled, and I could tell he was proud of me. And wasn’t that the best feeling in the world?

After a commotion in the hallway, four bears and a Laurel spilled into the kitchen.

Monty slapped my shoulder, sending me forward a few inches.

“You’re a tough little cookie, Calvin. Epic showdown.”

Laure glanced outside through the kitchen window and laughed. “Damian fell on his face. They’re not leaving anytime soon. The car’s stuck.”

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