Page 11 of Fateful Hearts

But without hesitation, Lucas steps forward, and at the same time, Blake stands from his chair and rushes forward, pulling Hailee and me away from Kyle. Blake presses his arm protectively across my chest, holding me back as he moves right up into Kyle’s face.

Wow, did not see that coming.

“Look, I think you better leave,” Blake suggests to Kyle, his eyes fiercely staring my ex down.

Kyle snorts, turning up his lip, seemingly disgusted by Blake’s show of aggression. “That’s right, get your expensive suits to fight your battles for you,” Kyle snaps, his face turning redder, his anger clearly taking hold.

I know what he’s like when he gets like this, and I really don’t want him to start with his temper tantrums here, embarrassing me further. Hailee clings tighter, and as if she can sense Kyle’s mood shifting, she begins to sob, her emotions getting the better of her at this moment. I tighten my grip on her as the fear of what her father will do takes over her tiny body.

All it does is anger me further. “You’re upsetting Hailee. I don’t care how you treat me, but don’t act like an idiot in front of our daughter.”

Kyle’s eyes turn dark. He shifts, going to move forward again, but Blake sidesteps him, getting in his way. “Leave. Now. Or it’s going to get ugly real fast…Kyle.”

Knowing that Blake will not let him get away with this shit and clearly realizing that he is outnumbered, Kyle grunts in aggravation. “Just pick her up when you’re meant to next time, Zoey,” he shouts, then turns, storming out of the bar with as much enthusiasm as he came in with.

Finally, I take a breath as I lean down to Hailee, brushing the wet hair away from her face, hating that she had to go through that with her sorry excuse for a father yet again. “You okay, sweetheart?”

Hailee doesn’t say anything, just rushes into my arms, holding me tightly. Her little body is shaking as Blake turns to me. His eyes lock with mine, something being said in them as he looks at me. I just can’t place what he’s saying, though.

All I do know is that I am so fucking embarrassed.

Swallowing a lump in my throat, I try to keep my trembling lip from showing my emotions, but Blake reaches out, placing his hand on my shoulder to comfort me. “He always like that with you?”

Clearing my throat from the emotion caught in it, I weakly nod. “Pretty much. We choose the wrong people when we’re young and don’t know any better.” I turn to Lucas, feeling incredibly terrible for spoiling their fun night. “I’m so sorry to ruin your evening, Mr. Grant. I’ll take Hailee home, and you can all continue enjoying your evening. I’m so sorry about bringing my personal life into your happy event.”

Lucas dips his chin. “Don’t even stress, Zoey. I’m a dad now. I know kids come first. So you take care of Hailee and yourself, okay? And don’t worry about it. We’re all good.”

Sniffling back my emotion, I am barely holding it together.

My eyes are blinking rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay.

My bottom lip is trembling, fighting to stop myself from the sob that wants to escape.

While my body is now in flight mode. I need to remove myself from the total embarrassment that asshole has brought on me once again to the safety of my home.

This was theonenight.

Theonetime I wanted Kyle to step up.

All he had to do was pick Hailee up from baseball and take her to my parents.

But he couldn’t let me have one night.

I was stupid to think I could have this.

It was ridiculous to expect I could mingle with the people from my work.

I’m not like them—clearly.

My eyes meet Blake’s, and he furrows his brows at me like he’s trying to figure out what is going through my head.

Yeah, I was stupid to think I could ever have this life.

“C’mon, Hailee, let’s go.” I usher her along.

We start walking for the steps, but Blake rushes up beside us. “I’ll walk you to your car. Make sure you get there safely.”

Raising my brow, shocked that he would want anything to do with me after that testosterone-filled display, I simply nod. Because I don’t have the energy to fight anymore. And there’s also that tiny seed of doubt in me that’s worried Kyle will be outside waiting for me when I leave. Having Blake there would be a great support if he is. “Thank you, Mr. Branson, that would be nice.”

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