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He lifted a brow.
Teague stomped forward, examining for himself. Judging from the flare of his nostrils, he wasn’t happy.
I waved a hand in front of my face. “Just a little bump.”
It was as if Alex’s hands were on me again, tightening their grip. I shuddered as a streak of fear raced through me. I had fourteen days—nearly thirteen now—to avoid marrying him.
What are you going to do?
“I recall someone getting very angry when someone else wasn’t forthcoming.” Lincoln drilled his gaze into me. “I’ve made mistakes, and I’m sorry for that. But you can trust me, Beau.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t need me to handle anything, but don’t forget I’m here to support you. Teague too.”
He waited for an acknowledgement, but all I could offer was a silent nod.
You can’t help me with this. If you do, it will hurt the people we love.
“Isn’t the guy supposed to ask us permission?” Teague folded his arms.
“He did.”
We all turned around.
Father stood in the doorway as smug as I’d ever seen him. “I’ve given the happy couple my blessing.”
His definition of happy and mine were vastly different.How could a fatherblessthe marriage of his only daughter to a man who nearly fractured her jaw and arm?
Teague looked at me, hurt and stunned surprise on his face. “I didn’t even know you were dating anyone.”
He spoke quietly. I couldn’t bear that I’d hurt him. And he’d all but admitted it in front of our father. That wasn’t easy on him.
I didn’t want to lie to him. To either of them.
As if Father was in my head, he fired a warning look in my direction. A reminder of what would happen if I strayed.
I cleared my throat. “It’s all happened suddenly.” Did I sound bright? I hoped so.
Teague narrowed his gaze in a look that rivaled one of Lincoln’s. Then he turned it on our father. “You’re behind this.” Then he pointed at me. “You don’t have to do anything he demands.”
Oh, but I do. Or you could lose Pepper.
Teague was by far the best at dodging our father’s wishes, but even he’d caved for a time.
I’d do anything for my brothers . . . even—I couldn't finish that thought. Time and distance hadn’t deterred our bond. They still knew when I wasn't really telling the truth. Knew when I wasn't holding it together, no matter how I tried.
“I’m only looking out for my daughter as any father would.”
Don’t throw this letter opener at him. Don’t throw this letter opener at him.
I schooled my features into a neutral expression as anger simmered beneath my surface.
To think there’d been a time I wanted that man’s affection. His attention. A normal relationship where we could talk about . . . whatever fathers and daughters discussed.
And deep down, that longing hadn’t gone away.
Until he’d killed it. Standing in a window. Watching a man maul me against my will.
A monster he was still willing to give me away to.
“That’s terrifying,” Teague said.
