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Hades turned his back, listening to Allie tell Vada about the movie, the dessert, and playing with Eloise.
Hades stalked across the lawn to the back porch and up the stairs. Vada and Allie were still talking, and both turned to walk inside. Hades grasped Vada’s wrist, and she halted.
“Allie, head upstairs. I gotta talk to Vada for a minute.”
Allie lips twitched. “I know that means you just want to kiss her, Daddy.”
“Go.”
Allie giggled and rushed inside. He waited a few seconds and heard Vada chuckle in the background. Most days, Allie would’ve been right. However, kissing was the last thing he had on his mind. In fact, he’d been consumed with keeping his temper in check for the remainder of his time at Saint’s. But his anger festered, and he was teetering on a thin line of losing his shit.
Vada turned and curled her hand over his waist. “Coast is clear. You can kiss me now.”
“Talk to your mother today?” He was trying to control his tone.
Vada froze, clearly caught off guard not only by his question but by his demeanor. She licked her lips and stepped back. Hades released her wrist and folded his arms, tightening his brows.
“Is something wrong?”
“Answer the question.” There was a bite in his tone, and Vada edged backward again.
“We spoke earlier.”
“What did she say?” Hades snapped, and Vada widened her eyes.
“It was mostly wedding talk.”
“She talked about a wedding she’s not coming to?”
Vada flattened her lips. Her parents were his least favorite topic of conversation, but he’d stayed semi-respectful on Vada’s behalf. That went out the door when her mother referenced his daughter. Hades waited for her to elaborate, but it seemed Vada was treading lightly and wouldn’t give him more than he asked.
“Bailey had to explain to my seven-year-old what manipulation means.”
Vada gasped. “What?”
“Yeah, and then reassure her that I didn’t fucking manipulate you into being her mom and raising her.” Hades ground his teeth. “Your mother put doubt in her head.”
Vada’s face paled, and her eyes widened. Before she even said it, he read her thoughts.
“Allie heard you talking to your mother.”
“Hades.” She reached for him, and he stepped back. Vada held up her hands, and they noticeably shook. “I had no idea she could hear us. I would never intentionally—”
“She fucking heard you, and more importantly, heard your fucking mother saying Allie isn’t your real daughter. That kid loves you. You’re the only mom she knows, and for her to hear that bullshit cuts deep.”
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t—”
“I didn’t think I had to fucking say this, but it looks like I do. That shit you put up with ain’t gonna touch Allie. Not my kid.”
Vada flinched as if he’d struck her. In a sense, he did. Hades was laying down the law with how his daughter would be treated. It was in everyone’s best interest that he walk away.
And that’s exactly what he did.
Chapter Five
Vada stood outside Allie’s bedroom door for what felt like hours. This was a delicate situation, and she needed to make sure she handled it properly. This should’ve been a no-brainer for her. Vada may not have had the best social skills when it came to adults, but children had always come easy. She had a gift, a comforting ease around kids. They were so much simpler, kinder, and non-judgmental.
This was different. What Allie had heard had clearly impacted her, upset her, and, most heartbreaking, made her doubt how much she meant to Vada. She stepped away from Allie’s door, looked up at the ceiling, and took a deep, calming breath. She willed her tears away and tried to settle the ache in her heart. While Vada hadn’t been the one to hurt Allie, she’d unknowingly allowed it.
