Page 118 of Control Us (Next Generation 1)

“Zach.”

I turned, finding Ashton coming toward me. “Not now.” I couldn’t deal with his shit. Not tonight. Because I knew that if he said something, my fist would land against his face before I could stop myself.

“No, listen. I’m sorry.”

I stopped. “Why?”

He chuckled, running a hand over his head. “I get it now. I’m a dick. Alright? I know that. But I get it. You and Luna. You’re meant to be. There’s a spark there that even I can see, and I’ve sworn off love completely. Anyway.” He shook his head. “What I’m saying is, fight for her.”

“What do you think I’m fucking doing?” But was I really? I ignored that thought and headed into the kitchen with Ashton hot on my trails.

“Zach, I know I’ve given you shit over Luna, but I love you both. You’re fucking family. And if you don’t end up together, how do the rest of us have any hope?” Instead of waiting for me to answer, he left the kitchen and headed out into the backyard.

It made me feel like a child. That same boy that spent weeks on end locked up in that small dark room. For years, I was told I was worthless. That I wouldn’t amount to anything. That I couldn’t be the man a wife needed. For Luna, I could be that man. Iwasthat man. But then why, after everything, after all that we had been through, why did I still feel so damn worthless. That I wasn’t good enough for her. She was close. Too close. And I didn’t know how to take it. I loved her. I loved her with every inch of me but that same love, scared the shit out of me. I didn’t want to get hurt. And if anyone could destroy me, it would be her.

Stone caught my gaze. He continued talking but his eyes never left mine.

I had dealt with a lot. Could bring businessmen more powerful than me to their knees, but one look from the father of the woman that I was in love with and it sent a tremor of fear down my spine.

I didn’t know what Stone had done for a living while he was in the navy. All I knew was that he was into some hard shit before he met Creena and Luna’s mom lost her life because of it. Could that be why? Could that be the reason he didn’t want me with his daughter?

I didn’t know and a part of me was even scared to ask.

My phone vibrated suddenly.

I reached into my pocket and fished it out, thankful for the distraction from the man currently plotting my death.

Clara: Hey! I hope your dad is well. Also, would you and Luna like to go out for dinner with me?

Me: That sounds like a wonderful plan. Double date?

Clara: No. That ship has sailed. Do people even say that anymore? Lol! Anyway, it would just be me.

I softly chuckled.

Me: That—

“My daughter has been the only one to ever put that smile on your face. Who are you texting, Zach?”

My body twitched, my blood pounding in my ears. I looked up and put my phone away, meeting the eyes of my maker.

“What are you accusing me of?” I asked Stone. I respected the hell out of the guy but this shit with Luna was getting old. Real fast.

“I’m not sure yet.” He crossed his thick tattooed arms over his chest.

“Why are you even here?” I blurted before I could stop myself. “You guys never come over unannounced.”

Stone took a step toward me. “Prove to me that you’re good enough for my daughter,” he said, ignoring me.

My eyes widened. “What? How the hell can I do that when you keep barging into our business?”

“Stop being a fucking pussy, Zach,” Stone bit out through clenched teeth. “Prove it.”

“Daddy.”

He stopped, glancing over his shoulder.

I looked past him and found Luna standing there, along with everyone else.

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