“No.”

His brows jump. “No.”

“Hell no.” I cross my arms. “They go, I go.”

He crosses his arms now, leaning back against the table. “It wasn’t a question. I need to speak with you, privately.”

“About what?” Maddoc asks but gets ignored.

“You need to speak, speak here. I have nothing to hide, so unless you do, why hold your tongue?” I challenge, and his eyes intensify.

“I’m afraid, it doesn’t work that way,” he speaks slow. “I must speak with you, alone.”

“Too fucking bad,” I snap, and he glares.

Maddoc shifts. “She rides—”

“Listen, little girl—” his dad cuts him off, but Maddoc pushes forward, stepping in between us.

“I said she rides with us,” he affirms, and my stomach muscles tighten.

Yes, baby.

“We’re not changing that right now.” He then slowly glances at me over his shoulder. “We’ll be out front.” He holds my eyes, cutting them to my pocket and back, making sure I understand what he’s telling me without words.

They can’t hear me out there like they did at my mom’s, but they’ll hear it if I whip my knife out and throw it at the fucking window.

He doesn’t think I’ll need it. If he did, last night would have gone a lot differently.

He and I, we’re laced together with a tight needle and thread.

When I tear, it’s him who bleeds.

My apprehension has overrun me and seeped into him.

When Royce hesitates on the bar stool, I look his way.

He nods through his frown, they grab their shit and walk out the door.

I don’t pause but spin back to Rolland who, of course, is attempting to read my every movement.

“Your sons are impatient, so...” I roll my hand to get him speaking.

Rolland only leans back farther.

“Okay, fine. Clearly you’re waiting to feel me out. I’ll start. Did you plan this?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“Which part?”

“All of it,” he admits with ease.

My pulse kicks a little higher. “Why?”

“It was necessary, and to answer the question you won’t allow yourself to ask, my sons had no idea.”

My head pulls back slightly, and I step closer, bracing my hands on the bar. “Don’t stand there and pretend to know me. And don’t put words in my mouth. They told me they weren’t aware, I chose to believe that. But, hey, since we’re talking about it, what’s the purpose of all this? Why am I here?” I challenge, not expecting him to give any real reason.

But Daddy Brayshaw is a smart man and gives me absolutely nothing while giving something at the same time. “Because I need you.” He tilts his head. “Also, I never slept with Ravina, not a single time.”

My brows draw in and he stands.

“All those times I was there, I was simply paying her for her time to speak.”

“About?”

He eyes me. “Things. You.”

“Couldn’t have been a very beneficial conversation. She knew nothing about what I did or where I went. Why not hire a PI? Clearly, money was no object.”

“I couldn’t have people asking questions that I could not answer, and you’re right. Our talks weren’t always good ones, but you belonged to me at that point, so she made sure she found something to share when she knew I was coming.”

“You in the business of buying little girls, Rolland?”

His features tighten, and he sticks his hand in his pocket, producing a piece of paper. He holds it up but not out, simply trying to taunt me. “I have to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“In a minute, but first, you have to give me your word you won’t tell my sons.”

My head snaps back. “Hell no.”

“It’s the only way.”

“It’s the wrong way.” I push off the counter and go to exit the kitchen, but he stands and blocks my path.

“I’m afraid we’re past what we all want at this point,” he says.

I scoff and shove past him. “You didn’t do your research if you thought for a second I was capable of being manipulated like this. Whatever she was that you were used to, don’t expect the same from me. People around here may see you as one man, but I see another. I owe you no loyalty, and your sons have mine. You don’t get a free pass. I don’t give a shit what you like to pretend your last name is.” I let my eyes run over his form before bringing them back to his. “I hope you spend some time with your boys, Mr. Brayshaw, like real time. It won’t take you long to realize they won’t put up with lies. Not even yours. You wanted fierce, strong, determined men? You’ve got them.” I shrug. “Time will tell if it was the wrong move on your part or not.”

“I’m not done talking.”

“Well, I’m done listening.”

His expression remains blank as I turn and walk out the front door, leaving it open so he hears the words I know will leave Maddoc next.

“Good?” he asks.

I nod. “Just another day in the life of rich and crazy, twisted bullshit.”

“What does that mean?” Maddoc glares.

“Apparently, your daddy has a secret he doesn’t want me to share with you.”

Every muscle in their faces goes slack.

I look at Rolland over my shoulder, who, shocker, has moved closer to the door.

“Fuck you and your ultimatum. You may have had her in your pocket, but you’ll never have me.”

My brows snap together when an instant grin splits his lips and he claps.

He fucking claps.

My mouth drops open.

“Thank you, Raven.”

“For?”

“For being everything they believed. They trust you with all they are, and it seems they were right too.”

“So what, this was a test you all agreed to?” I spin to glare at the boys.

“No, no.” Rolland regains my attention, shaking his head. “I told them I wasn’t sure you could be trusted, but they were quick to defend you. The four of you building loyalty without the pressure of having to is exactly what I had hoped for.”

“Other than getting out of prison?” I sass.

Royce laughs and Rolland’s lip twitches.

“Other than that.”

Rolland looks to his sons. “As much as I’d love to watch you boys play, I need you guys to keep my homecoming quiet until after the championship game. Donley Graven will be there, and I’m hoping to catch him off guard in a few days.”

“Why?” Maddoc pushes.

“I have some things to get in order before I go to him.”

“What things?” Royce questions.

Rolland grins. “We’ll discuss everything soon, boys.”

“I have a daughter,” Captain rushes out, out of fucking nowhere.

Everyone freezes and dead silence surrounds us.

My eyes slice from Cap to Rolland in complete shock.

Shoulders wide and strong, held high with his chin, Captain stares into the eyes of the man he loves like a father but hid his deepest secret from in order to protect his baby girl.