Page 93 of Wicked Knight
I straighten, wondering what the hell more he could say to me that I may not like. “Of course.”
He pulls in a deep breath and levels me a hard stare. “You may not want to accept this, but you have this deep obligation to your father. I believe it's because you feel guilty about your brother’s death. I think you feel guilty because you alerted Mackenzie's father that your brother may have taken her. You’re trying to make up for that when it wasn't your fault.”
I stare back at him feeling like I've just been called out, except I wasn't aware of the parts about me feeling like I have an obligation to my father.
Do I?
It doesn’t feel like I do anymore, but Kade is right. I do try to make up for what I call my part in Tommy’s death.
If I feel obliged to my father, it means I could be standing in my own way. Am I? “You think I’m stopping myself.”
“That’s for you to decide. From where I’m sitting, it looks to me like Mackenzie isn’t with you because she feels she has an obligation to her family. And you’re letting her go because your obligation is to your father.”
“No.” I protest even though his words feel like a slap of truth in the face. “I’m backing off because I don't want my father to hurt her.”
Kade leans forward. “You think that simply backing off will stop him? It won’t. You’re just doing as you’re told.”
I clench my jaw. “Fuck. You’re right. Kade, everything I do feels like the wrong thing.”
“Then do what you want to do instead of fucking let your father win. You sitting here looking defeated is him winning.”
“I don’t want him to win, and I don’t want to lose her.”
“Then do what you do best, linebacker, and fight. Fight whmoever you have to and fight to find a way to get your girl back. You know that’s what I’d do.”
I nod, appreciating the wake-up call. “Thank you.”
“That’s what I’m here for. You know I have your back.”
“I know.
He fist-bumps my awaiting fist, stands, and cracks his knuckles. “See you later.”
“Later.”
He walks back into the house, and I stare at the door realizing I knew the answer to this problem all along.
Fight.
There is no question here when it comes to Mackenzie because I'm a fighter.
Now I just have to find a way. Even though that feels like walking around in the dark with a fog holding you back.
Right now, the only certain thing is that I can't let her go.
That will have to be enough.
Chapter Twenty
Mackenzie
I stare at Ryan Konstantin and his family sitting across the dinner table from me.
We’re at my parents' cottage, and this…
This is what I suppose is the dreaded family dinner date where we're all supposed to get to know each other.
My parents have been trying to carry the conversation, but the Konstantins are a tough crowd.