Page 33 of Untouchable

“Those always were her favorite.” A sad smile comes across Dad’s face when he looks at the bouquet of yellow tulips I’m holding.

“They’re such a good contrast to the blue and white.” I smile back, plopping them in the vase before moving to the sink to water them. “I think that’s why they were her favorite.”

Dad chuckles as he stirs the spaghetti sauce. “Naw, those were your momma’s favorites because they were the flowers I got for her when she had you.”

I turn the water off and face him. “I didn’t know that,” I say so quietly I’m not sure the words even came out.

“You were the most beautiful, brightest thing to ever happen to us, those yellow tulips stood out to me the moment I approached the floral department. She always made it known how much she loved those particular flowers when I would surprise her with some, so they ended up being all I would buy for her.”

How did I never know that?

Dad wipes a tear from my cheek that I didn’t feel fall, bringing my attention back to him. “You got all of your grace and beauty from your momma, you look more and more like her every day.” A sad smile finds its way onto my face as he sniffs back his own tears. “Thank the good Lord for it, too. I’m not sure you got anything from your old man.”

“That’s not true. My love of rock music definitely came from you. My cuticles, probably, because this is just horrid.” I hold my hands up, making him laugh. Which was my main goal with that statement. “My love of motorcycles, even though you won’t let mehave one.” He gives me a warning look and I meet it with one of my own.

“Hmph.I wouldn’t be surprised if you had one and just didn’t tell me about it.”

My mouth pops open in disbelief. “As if I wouldeverhave a bike behind your back…” He lifts an eyebrow at me, reading me like a book. “You know I’d have to come show it off at the clubhouse.”

“There it is.” I let out a laugh as he begins plating our spaghetti and meatballs. I walk around and grab the big salad bowl and the bottle of dressing, kissing his cheek.

“I wouldn’t do that to you, Dad. You know that.” The sincerity in my tone seems to relax him. We sit down at the table, talking about my trip to Florida, the photos I took of the couple on Broadway, and how I loved the spontaneity of a photoshoot like that. Then we hit a lull, and I know this is my moment to tell him about the trip Ace asked me to go on. I get the sudden urge to run out the front door and say screw it, but I know I need to get it over with.

“So, Daddy…” His eyes cut over to mine, knowing I only call him that when I want something—which is pretty much never. “With everything that’s happened recently, I was wondering. Well, Ace mentioned…actually, he didn’t mention as much as he encouraged?—”

“Sweetheart, spit it out.” I forget sometimes my father has the attention span of a fruit fly and even less patience.

“I’m going on a road trip with Ace.” His eyebrows bounce to whatshould behis hairline. “And Mikey and Bodine,” I add, trying to hide the hint of annoyance in my voice. His brows furrow at that. “And I’ll be riding with Ace because my car is in the shop.”

He crosses his arms over his chest, propping them up on his belly. “Who’s shop?”

“Ace’s.” He nods, in what looks like approval, sitting back in his seat. His eyes stay on me, making me worry he’s about to tellmeno—even though I’m a grown-ass woman who can make her own decisions.

“Where are you going?”

My heart races. “We don’t know yet.”

“When will you be back?”

“We don’t know that either.”

“What brought on this sudden decision to hit the road with not just one butthreeof my guys?”

Well, I’d much rather it had been one, but ya know… he’s got boyfriends.

I shrug, thinking back to mine and Ace’s conversation on the roof of the clubhouse. “I think we both just need some time to clear our heads. To spend some time away from the club after what happened to Viper…” I trail off, not wanting to upset him by bringing it back up. “I was honestly surprised when he mentioned it, but I don’t know… I think it might be good. For everyone.” I feel my cheeks heat at the thought of Ace and curse myself for letting my mind wander mid-conversation with myfatherof all people.

I steal a glance at him and, of course, he’s caught me. That warning look is back, but I pretend not to notice.

“I never heard a question in all of that.” I have to stop myself from smirking.

“Because I wasn’t asking, Daddy. I just wanted to let you know myself.” The air of confidence I feel is refreshing.

“Well, I appreciate the honesty, Kat. I know you’ll be safe with Ace. The other two nimrods, I’m not so sure about, but I know Ace will keep them in their place too. But don’t you hesitate to break a finger if any of them tries touching you, you hear me?”

I hide my face in my hands. “Oh my gosh, Dad!”

“Exactly,” he says, causing me to drop my shield. “I’m your dad, Katarina. I’m always going to worry about you, and I’malwaysgoing to look out for you. You’re everything to me, baby girl. Don’t you ever forget that.”

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