Page 95 of Enforcing the Rules

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I waited two months before I told Kate her father was gone.

We were in bed, and I was stroking her stomach. She was just barely beginning to show.

“Got something to tell you, babe.”

Her hand covered mine. “What is it? Is it about the crib I showed you? Because I don’t have to have one that nice.”

“It’s not about the crib.” I kissed her temple. “You can have any crib you want, baby. I want you to be happy.”

She grinned and cuddled closer. “I know you do. So, what did you want to tell me?”

“Kate, I’m going to share something with you. It’s MC business, but it involves you, too.”

“My father?”

“Yes. Did you know he re-bonded out?”

“Bill said something about it. But he had no idea who’d bailed him out this time.”

“The club’s attorney bailed him out.”

She twisted her neck and peered at me. “The club? Why would you do that?”

When I didn’t reply, she knew the truth.

“Is he dead? Utah, how could you do that? He was my father.”

“Because he stabbed a brother and stole from the club. That can’t go unpunished.”

She didn’t reply.

“He was the shittiest excuse for a father that ever walked the planet, Kate. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.”

Still she stayed quiet.

“Baby, we had your father at the clubhouse. He was ready to give you and your sister in exchange for his own hide. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

She nodded.

“He stole from the MC. That does not happen. End of story.”

“He was my father.”

“Was he really? He was shit to you.”

“How could you?”

“Easily. Did you not hear me? He was going to give you to the club in exchange for his own life, and all that he thought that would mean for you. He did not hesitate. Not one moment. Do you understand that? Do not waste one tear on that man.” I took her chin and turned her head until she met my eyes. “Do you understand why I had to do it?”

She nodded.

“I’m sorry for the pain this causes you. But he’s your past. He’s been your past for years. He doesn’t deserve your love or your sympathy. I’m your future. I’m going to be here for you until they bury me. And then I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.”

“Stop.” A tear rolled down her cheek.

“I need to know we can get past this. I need to know we’re gonna be okay.”

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