“You really mean it?” Her soft question pulled me back from my lustful thoughts.
I drew back and nodded. “I do.”
Her gaze found mine; her irises burning bright with uncertainty. I heard the word before she said it. She was going to tell me no and walk the hell away from me. She was going to break my fucking heart.
“Okay.”
Relief rushed through my body. She’d given me her trust, and I’d be damned if I didn’t show her I deserved it.
Chapter twenty-nine
Tristan
“Ihave so many questions.”
Izzy stood in front of me on the curb of Millie’s school. Hands on her hips, she pinned me with one of those stares that lived up to my name for her. Fucking scary, indeed.
“I’m sure you do,” I told her. “But let’s get Millie before you fire them off.”
I made a move to sidestep her.
She saw it coming and blocked my path. “Oh no. We’ll get it all settlednow, and if I’m not happy with your answers, you’re not going near that sweet little girl.”
Her glare intensified. If I hadn’t perfected my poker face over the years, she undoubtedly would have noticed her intimidation tactics had worked.
“Question one?” I asked, voice flat, tone even.
“What the hell happened today, and is my sister okay?”
A sliver of guilt ran down my spine. I should’ve explained the situation or at the very least reassured her Kate was all right—well, as all right as one can be after passing out and throwing up half their body weight.
When Kate had called Izzy earlier, she didn’t go into detail, simply said she was sick, and she needed me to pick up Millie.
“We’re not entirely sure what caused it, but...” I explained everything and ended with, “She’s at my place now and will stay there for the time being.” Indefinitely if it were up to me. “All good? Can we go now?”
“No,” she huffed. “It’s notall goodand we definitely cannotgo now. I said questions, not question.”
Gritting my teeth, I jerked my chin in her direction. “What else?”
She didn’t hesitate. “What exactly are your intentions with my sister and Millie?”
“Your father asked me the same question.” I sighed. “Why don’t you ask him what my answer was?”
Again, I moved to the side. Izzy was right there to stop me.
“Funny.” Her eyes narrowed dangerously.
I realized then, pissing this woman off might not be in my best interest. Not only to get Millie from her school, but if I wanted to convince Kate my feelings for her were real, it’d be wise to have at least one member of her family on my side.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, holding up my hands. “I just want to take care of Kate.” My gaze traveled to the school behind her. “Millie too.”
“Hmm.” Didn’t think it was possible, but her gaze narrowed even more. “Up until a few weeks ago, my sister despised you.”
Despised? What a strong feeling. One I probably deserved. Since Kate had mentioned it earlier, my mind had run rampant trying to countthe times she’d referred to. I was ashamed to admit I’d stopped recalling after I ran out of fingers.
No wonder she had a hard time believing my feelings were real.
“I know,” I admitted.
