Page 131 of Tormented Kings
I like Mark. I like being a part of this family. Everything about our families blending together has felt right.
But if I’m officially his daughter, what would that mean for Grayson and me? How would the world react when it finds out Mark Taylor’s adopted daughter is fucking his biological son.
No. I can’t think about this right now. Not today. Not on Christmas.
Closing the folder, I grab it and head upstairs, placing it in my nightstand. Once I have more time to think about it, then I’ll make a decision.
For now, I’m going to go downstairs, enjoy supper with my family, and then go over to see Collin.
Chapter 28
Collin
“Would you relax?” Mom laughs as she watches me pace the room.
“No,” I scoff. “Because this needs to be perfect.”
“It’s going to be. You have a tree full of presents for the girl.”
“Presents she would have opened this morning if you didn’t threaten me and make me stay home.”
“I didn’t threaten you.” She rolls her eyes with a grin. “This was their first Christmas together as a family.”
“We’re their family, too.” I stop pacing and shoot her a look.
“Yes, we are. But this is different.” She talks to me like I’m a child. Okay, maybe I’m acting like one, but still. I want my Sunshine here with me. I hardly get to see her as it is, so sue me that I’m beyond excited to see her for the holiday. And I’m not going to feel sorry for spoiling her. It’s not with things like jewelry and designer bags. It’s all the things she loves and enjoys. My girl doesn’t care about materialistic things, and I can accept that. I also respect it.
“She texted me that she was on her way over.”
Mom stares at me for a moment. “I’m proud of you.”
That has me pausing. “Thanks?” My brows furrow. “But for what?”
“For being you. For standing up for yourself. For knowing what you want and going for it. You’re a good man, Collin. And I can see how much you love Sadie. What I’m most surprised about, though, is how you’re not going all caveman about her being with other men.”
“I did,” I mumble. “Didn’t go over well for me.”
Mom laughs. “Now that I’m not surprised about. Sadie isn’t the type of girl to sit by and take it.”
“No. She’s strong, smart, and knows her worth.” I just hate that she’s had to go through so much bullshit. Things I should have been able to prevent and protect her from.
“The perfect woman for my son.” She smiles, pats me on the arm, and leaves me to my impatient pacing.
My phone rings, and I quickly look at it, thinking it’s Sadie. But when I see the caller ID, my stomach sinks. What the fuck does my father want?
He hasn’t tried to contact me in months.
It rings and rings, my finger hovering over the decline button. But if I do that, it will only piss him off.
Letting out an annoyed huff, I answer it.
“What do you want?”
“Is that any way to greet your father?”he growls.
“How can I help you?” I say through gritted teeth, trying not to lose it on him.
“It’s Christmas, can’t I just call my son and see how he’s doing?” I pause, knowing he’s full of shit. “Someone must have gotten coal this morning to be so grumpy,” he chuckles teasingly, and I want to strangle the fucker. “Unfortunately, I’m not just calling to chat. You’ve fucked up, Collin.”