Page 56 of At the Edge of Surrender

How the hell did you get my number?

It was almost three in the morning, so I really shouldn’t have expected a reply, but somehow, I wasn’t surprised when dots popped up that he was typing.

Unknown

I have my ways.

Another one of those warnings. Warnings I’d ignored or maybe had been attracted to. One that Kane Asher likely issued with one of those mind-altering grins.

Another text blipped through.

Unknown

It’s not that hard to find someone’s number, Emery. Don’t spin out on me over it.

Was he serious? Don’t spin out on him? When he had figured out who I was and come to my hotel? When he took the effort to find my phone number, which I wasn’t so convinced was readily available, anyway?

But I didn’t have time to contemplate it. What really mattered was my response. How I was going to protect Maci from him.

Me

I already told you I have her. You don’t need to worry or feel guilty. Like you said, she’s four. You shouldn’t be expected to suddenly be a part of her life. It’s not fair to either of you.

His response was almost instant.

Unknown

She’s my daughter.

My spirit flailed. I could almost hear the crack in his voice. A whip that blistered through the atmosphere.

Another text came through before I had the chance to respond.

Unknown

I want to see her. I have the right to.

Me

You didn’t even know she existed before today.

Unknown

But I do now, and that changes everything.

A beat passed before another text popped up.

Unknown

You came to me, Emery. You showed me what I should have been shown a long time ago.

Unknown

I just want to see her. Meet her. Then you can leave like I know you’re planning to do.

I pressed my trembling fingertips to my temple, trying to squelch the shearing pain that suddenly cut through. Piercing and sharp. The fear that lancinated.

But this was what we’d come here to do.

---