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Mrs. Garrison huffed in disapproval but started for the exit.
Quinn didn't budge. He glanced at me, his gaze apprehensive. "Pick warned all the waitresses to never get caught alone with him. He'd never forgive me if I left right now."
I wasn't sure which man I should be more proud of: Pick, for looking out for all the ladies he worked with, or Quinn for standing firmly by my side.
I touched his arm. "It's okay. He's my dad."
Quinn's eyes flared with horror. "W-w-well if Pick said that after actually knowing who he is, I'm definitely not leaving you alone with him. Just . . . just pretend I'm not here."
After reaching into his pocket, he unwound a cord of ear buds from a cell phone and plugged them in. Then he leaned against the wall, giving me as much privacy with Shaw as he would allow.
I smiled at him, actually grateful he wasn't going to let me face my greatest fear alone. "I guess he's staying," I said.
Mrs. Garrison huffed. "Well, if he's staying, then I'm staying."
"That's fine." I glanced at my father, snickering because this had probably spoiled half of his nefarious plans. "I don't mind an audience."
He growled out his displeasure and moved to sit at his desk, probably hoping the flawless leather throne gave him an air of superiority.
"I'm ready to deal," I told him, not waiting for him to take control of the conversation.
A slow, creepy smile spread over his face. "Is that so? I had a feeling you'd change your mind."
I nodded. "If you want me to go back with you, then sign the deed of this place over to Pick. Right now."
He lifted an eyebrow. "And you'll come back with me? Just like that?"
"I have a few more stipulations."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "Like what?"
"My daughter doesn't come with me. She stays here with Reese. And you never have anything to do with either of them, nor do you let them have any contact with me."
I bit the inside of my lip hard to keep my chin from quivering and my eyes from tearing. But that had been the hardest thing to let go of. My Skylar. It went against every instinct inside me to leave my baby behind. But no way would I let her grow up anywhere near him. And the only way to get her out of his life for good was to sacrifice myself. This would be best for both of my babies. Reese and Pick, and even Mason, would take care of them, and love them exactly how I wanted them to be loved. And none of them would ever have to worry about Bradshaw or Garrison again. They'd be free to live the rest of their lives in peace.
"Hmm," he murmured, stapling his fingers as he studied me. "I wasn't expecting that one. I thought you'd grown rather fond of your brat, but fine, I'll gladly allow that condition." His lips quirked smugly. "Next?"
"Fire that bitch you hired to torment Mason. And keep her away from him."
Bradshaw shot an amused glance toward Mrs. Garrison. "She won't go willingly, but I'll enjoy pulling her away. Anything else?"
"Yes. Make sure Pick keeps his son."
My father lifted his eyebrows. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."
I snorted. "Bullshit. You know everything there is to know about him. And you know what Julian means to him."
"Oh, you're referring to the little crack whore's baby. That son. Yes, I'm fully aware he could lose the child if I made one small phone call to Social Services. It's a shame, really. I doubt any foster parent would care for the kid as much as your young man has. Though I'd never allow such a character to remain associated with my daughter, he does seem to be a good father."
He was the best father ever.
God, I was going to miss Pick, Skylar, Julian, Reese, damn, even Mason. But I'd do this. For a chance to keep them safe, I'd do this in a heartbeat.
"Then help him remain a good father."
Bradshaw chuckled and rocked back in his chair. "Really, darling. I don't see how I could do that."
"I don't care how you do it. Falsify a birth certificate with his name on it. Create adoption records. Don't tell me you can't do it. I know better."
