Page 41 of Merciless Protector

“Because I borrowed the money I earned.”

“You’d given the money to me. It was no longer your money. If you needed it, I would have gladly given it to you. But instead, you stole it.”

The older man's color took on a reddish hue. “It was my money,” he shouted.

The blonde jumped between Shawn and his father, who looked ready to smack his son. “Dad,” she said, clearing up my thoughts that she was Shawn’s twin he’d mentioned.

“No. He shows up, with his hair looking like that—” I glanced at his sister. She was a natural blonde, as her brows matched her hair unless she had an excellent stylist. Shawn’s hair was brown and likely not natural, given his father’s comments. “—and brings someone here without a word. You know your mother is in no condition to receive outside guests.”

I could totally respect that and wanted to flee. There were serious issues between father and son, and I felt like an interloper.

“She’s not a guest,” Shawn said. Though he hadn’t raised his voice, menace dripped in every word.

“Then who is she?” his father demanded.

My eyes bounced between the pair as they traded harsh words. “My fiancée.”

His father’s laser focus landed on me, and he looked as if at a loss for words. I certainly was, but he wasn’t. “Is she even—”

“Dad,” the blonde yelled before giving me an apologetic glance.

“She looks almost, but not quite.”

It wasn’t the first time I’d heard things like that. I was shocked more at the venomous glare Shawn wore. “She’s having your grandchild, so I guess you better get used to the idea.”

A bell rang and continued like someone was frantically shaking it. Everything got quiet as we focused in that direction.

“Matthew.” The voice was loud enough to be heard but clearly weak, and Shawn stepped over to me.

“Give me a minute,” he said, and I nodded even though I didn’t relish the idea of being left alone with his father. But there was no way I’d stop him from seeing his mom. I could take his father’s hate. It wasn’t the first time I’d experienced it.

Shawn bounded down the hall, and his sister followed. His father gave me a once-over, his focus landing on my belly a second before he, too, followed his children.

“Are you okay?” I might have jumped a little as I put a hand on the middle of my chest to stop my racing heart. I’d forgotten that Shawn’s brother-in-law was in the room. He held out a hand as he came forward. “I’m Connor, Lizzy’s husband.”

“I’m Tayla,” I said, taking his hand, grateful I was reminded of Shawn’s sister’s name.

“Ignore Ted. He’s a product of times long since passed. Though I’m sure Lizzy will make sure he apologizes.”

“It’s fine.”

He shook his head. “It’s not. But you have to pick your battles.”

I nodded because we could agree about that.

“Tayla.” The voice that had called Shawn’s name earlier called mine.

If the house wasn’t completely silent, I wouldn’t have heard her. Connor held up a hand to indicate I was to walk forward. I followed the path Shawn had taken until I got to an open door on the right. Inside, there was a hospital bed. There was also hospital-grade equipment that was attached to her and taking readings of her vitals.

A hand with nearly translucent skin waved me forward. “You must be Tayla.”

I nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

She took my hand in hers. “You are beautiful.” She smiled at her son as if giving her approval before returning her focus to me. “Excuse my husband and accept my apologies. I wouldn’t care if you were a green one-eyed alien as long as you made my son happy.”

Her words felt genuine. “Thank you,” I said, stealing a glance at Shawn’s father, who appeared appropriately contrite.

She patted my hand and glanced at my stomach. “I hope I’m still around to see my next grandchild.”

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