Page 104 of Legacy

“She’s my daughter.”

“Well, she’s—” I don’t know what she is exactly, but I know I care about her more than me just being her nanny. “Of course I did.”

“Thank you.”

My chest aches with all the things I want to say.

That she feels like mine.

That this feels like home.

But ever since Jesse went upstairs, I’ve been sitting with the truth that stops those words from coming out. Jesse has a club to focus on and a daughter who deserveshis full attention. He has people who rely on him. I can’t ask him to add me to that list.

If anything, Lincoln texting me within the same moments of the biker threatening us is a reminder that all I do is aim more trouble in Jesse’s direction.

I meet Jesse’s gaze and steady my breath. “I’m leaving.”

“What do you mean you’re leaving?” His voice drops an octave, chilling the air around us.

“We always said this was temporary and that I’d leave once you found a permanent replacement. I found someone.” The words are nails in my throat on the way out. “When you were gone this week, I got a call from a coworker back in Glendale. She works in childcare, and she’s looking for a fresh start. She’s willing to relocate to Vegas, and I trust her. She has no attachments, no strings. She can give Bea her full attention, and I can get out of your hair. I’ll take Margaret back with me, and things can go back to normal around here.”

Damn, it hurt to get that out.

But it’s the right thing to do.

Jesse and Bea need stability, not one more rock shaking their foundation.

“Is this because of what happened today?”

“Yes and no.” I swallow hard. “It’s not because I’m scared or anything… even if it was a little terrifying. But I come with my own problems, Jesse. Lincoln is still hanging around Vegas with delusions of a relationship that never existed. He’ll find his way to get to me eventually. And you already have enough to focus on. I won’t be another burden you have to bear.”

“That’s what you think you are to me?”

“It’s what I know I am.” My words falter at the end as I choke back tears. “You don’t need more problems. Or worse, a distraction.” Emotion clogs in my throat, making my words wobble. “I’m sorry, I should leave.”

“Leave.” Jesse repeats the word with the kind of amusement that’s out of place for this conversation.

Especially considering there’s not one hint of a smile on his face.

His jaw ticks now, and I can no longer read his expression. “Do youwantto leave us?”

I don’t miss that he didn’t just sayhim. He saidus.

“No, of course not. I lo—” I cut myself off, realizing there’s no way he’s ready to handle that word. “Icareabout you and Bea more than anything. But if it’s for the best…”

He hums, not taking his eyes off me. Silence fills the room. My heart is a deafening drumbeat between my temples. And when he doesn’t argue, I think that’s it.

He agrees.

We’re done.

Instead, he takes my hand and pulls me from the couch.

“Where are we going?” I ask as he starts tugging me behind him.

“To take care of something I should have done weeks ago.”

“Wha—”

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