Page 58 of Kaz
“You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I’m not gonna let anything get between us. Especially not this, because,” he paused, throwing his arms wide, “thisis worth nothing without him.”
Emma pressed her lips together, gaze running over his face.
“What the hell are you waiting for, then?”
A smile flittered across his lips, and he pulled her in for a quick hug, uncaring that she merely cursed him the whole time. He let go of her, giving her a nod and receiving one of encouragement back. He dug his keys out of his pocket and took off toward his bike. It didn’t matter what it took to provehe wanted this relationship. He’d made himself and Miles that promise, and he intended to keep it. Even if he had to give up the club. He wasn’t spending another decade without Miles by his side. Life wasn’t worth living without him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Miles
HE WAS moping. Which was a surprising development. He’d expected anger, anguish, or something just as destructive, but no. He was just feeling sorry for himself. As much as he wanted to blame Kaz… he couldn’t put it all on him. He’d gone into this relationship knowing exactly who Kaz was. Was it wrong that he’d expected Kaz to trust him?
He was sitting on his parents’ couch with his head in his hands while he tried to understand everything that had happened, but all he was doing was confusing himself more. Trying to place blame when he wasn’t sure what was true or right.
A steaming mug appeared on the coffee table in front of him. It was probably better than the alcohol he wanted to drown himself in.
He grabbed the mug and took a sip, humming appreciatively at the sweet taste of hot chocolate. He looked up at his father, unsurprised to find dark eyes tracking his every move, gaze unwavering. He’d never been able to hide a damned thing from him.
“What’s got you moping like it’s tenth grade again?”
Miles grunted and placed the mug back on the table.
Pop raised a black brow at him, his lips twitching. “Remember when you acted out as a teenager?”
Miles nodded, shame filling him at the thought of his teenage self’s actions and words. He’d been extremely frustrated andfrightened, really. He’d taken it out on his family, though mostly on Pop. He hadn’t done it to hurt anyone. He’d just not been able to convey his fears and worries in a constructive way. He wasn’t sure he’d wanted to.
“I was terrified that it meant I was a bad father,” Pop said, a smile teasing his lips.
Miles opened his mouth to protest, but held his tongue when Pop raised a hand to stop him.
“I know I’m not perfect. I haven’t been a perfect parent because that’s just not possible. You do what you think is right in the moment. Hindsight is twenty-twenty after all, and are there things I would do differently today? Absolutely. But, no matter what, I will always be here for you when you mess up or need support becausethatis what makes a good parent. That’s what you do for the ones you love.”
Pop sat down on the coffee table in front of Miles and took his hands in his. Warmth washed over him, settling in his body and in his bones. Safety. It was safety he felt. He’d always known he was safe and loved in this home. It was likely why he’d felt comfortable enough to be a little shit as a teen.
“I’m sorry.”
Pop shook his head, a soft smile on his lips.
“It’s all in the past. We both grew from it,” Pop said. He leaned forward, brow raised at Miles. “Now, tell me what’s going on.”
Miles drew in a deep breath. Where did he even start?
“I’m in love with Kaz.”
Not what he thought would be coming out of his mouth, and from the wide-eyed look his father gave him, neither had he.
Pop took a moment, brows scrunching as he mulled over that information.
“You’re moping because you’re mad that you’re in love with Kaz?” he guessed, his expression curious but confused.
Miles dropped back against the couch with a frustrated sigh. He ran his hands down his face, everything inside him a jumbled mess.
“Yes? No? I don’t?” he cut himself off with a groan, his father’s chuckle only making him groan harder.
“Baby.” Pop shifted onto the couch, pulling one leg under him to face Miles. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”
Miles squeezed his eyes closed as if not seeing his father would make the words feel less real.
