Deacon crossed his arms over his chest. “And why is that?”
“Regardless of his size, there is a kindness about him. Plus, he came to my rescue back there.” Jerking my chin up, I said, “I couldn’t imagine him ever hurting anyone.”
A grin slunk across Deacon’s face. “So naïve, aren’t you, babe?”
“It’s Miss Evans.” I took a step back from him. “Did you have a point in bringing me in here besides giving me a hard time?”
“I brought you in here so we could talk about my daughter in private.”
He then strode past me. After pulling out one of the chairs at a long table, he gestured for me to take a seat. Reluctantly, I walked over and eased down onto the plush leather. Instead ofsitting beside me, he walked over to take the seat across from me.
After he leaned back in his chair, he pursed his lips at me. “So talk.”
“I’m very concerned that Willow has missed almost a week of school. She’s far too bright not to be in class. I see now that she isn’t sick.” Leaning forward on the table with my elbows, I asked, “What is this about you keeping her out because it isn’t safe?”
Deacon’s expression darkened. “That’s none of your fucking business.”
“You may not think so, but I’m sure CPS might see things differently.”
“Are you threatening me, Miss Evans?” he questioned.
The harshness of his tone, coupled with his slightly menacing expression, made me burrow deeper into the chair to try to escape him.
“I-I’m just stating facts, Mr. Malloy,” I replied, my voice cracking from nerves.
He shook his head. “You have a lot of fucking nerve coming into my club and trying to run my life.”
“That’s not what I’m doing at all. I just want what is best for Willow.”
“I think as her father I know what is best for her,” he countered.
“With all due respect, you’ve only been her father for a few months.”
Deacon shot out of his chair. “Get out!”
Even though my legs shook with fear, I held my ground. “No.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said no,” I whispered.
Deacon’s dark eyes widened. “Would you prefer me to throw you out?”
When he started around the table, I held up my hand. “Please, just listen to me for a minute.” He froze and stared expectantly at me. “Regardless of whatever dangers there are in your world or whether you’re suitable to be a parent, I don’t think that Willow should be taken away from you. She’s been through too much trauma to be taken from those she loves. I can tell she’s happy here…that she’s loved here.”
He cocked his brows questioningly at me. “You mean that?”
“Yes, I really do.”
“Then why are you on my ass, woman?” he demanded.
A nervous laugh bubbled from my lips. “I’m sorry, but I have to look out for what is best for my students. I’m sure you think that what you’re doing is the right thing to protect Willow, but she needs to be in school. She needs the interaction with other children. She thrives when she is in school.”
At Deacon’s eye-roll, I pressed on. “Did you know I’m recommending her to be placed in the first grade in December?”
“Is she too much of a problem for you?” he snapped sarcastically.
“Willow isnevera problem to me. If I was totally honest, she’s my favorite. I’ll be devastated to lose her.”
