When she was hospitalised, I heard Calvin talking to him a few times. Dad barely finds the time to eat, so it’s a surprise he called someone outside of his work circle. And not just anyone – Calvin.

For years, he’s been showing his care in a subtle way like a doting uncle. Because his career doesn’t allow him to be obvious about an illegitimate child.

Well, since Dad doesn’t like surprises, time to ruin his morning.

“She knows,” I say.

“She knows what?”

“That you’re her father, just like I know you’re not mine.”

He remains silent, but his face doesn’t change.

“Wait. You already know?”

“Calvin told me.”

“Right.” I scoff. “Since when did you two keep your line of intel open?”

“That’s not important right now.”

“Of course, you’re important. Your career. Your fucking elections. Your party. Is that why you didn’t face her? Because you’re scared to tell her that your political career comes before everyone else, her included?”

“I didn’t tell her for the exact reason you need to stop drinking. Her mental state doesn’t need any more pressure right now.”

“Sure, I believe you.”

“Xander,” he says my name with that impatient tone like I’m the last thing he wants to deal with. “You think it was easy for me to give up my daughter? My own flesh and blood? It was the hardest decision I’ve made in my life, but at least I get to see her, talk to her, and make sure she’s fine. Calvin said she’s still fragile. I won’t allow you to make it worse.”

“Did your pen pal Calvin perhaps mention that I knew, too? For fucking seven years, if I may add.”

“Language.”

“Fuck that, Dad. Oh, wait, you never were. And the worst part is, I didn’t need a DNA test to figure that out.” I stride towards him and point a finger at his chest. “You stopped being my father the day Mum left because of you.”

Then I storm out of the house. Dad calls after me, but I consider it as if he doesn’t exist.

I take deep breaths before I go to pick up Kim and Kir. They don’t need to see me on the verge of combusting.

The Mazda comes into view and then I see the fucking bastard who used to call himself my friend.

He’s pinching Kim’s cheek and grinning down at her like in some cliché film.

My first thought is to break his arm.

Forget it. That’s not only my first thought, it’s all the thoughts running rampant in my head.

No one touches her now, not him and not anyone else.

Although I’ve often had those thoughts before, this is the first time I get to act on them.

Except for kicking Ronan’s arse the other time, or the one before that. If he keeps doing this, he’ll get himself fucking killed by me.

I march towards them as they chat happily about something. What, I have no idea. All I know is that I hate whatever they’re talking about.

Instead of punching him in the face like a part of me wants to, I just shove him away, grab Kim by the arm, and hug her to my side. My hand grabs the curve of her waist in a possessive hold.

A slight shiver goes through her and reaches me through our clothes. I avoid looking at her because that’ll soften me up and I need all my harshness to deal with this fucker.

“Bonjour, Knight.” He grins, then narrows his eyes. “Now let go of my Kimmy. I was inviting her to a date.”

“She’s not your Kimmy.” I pull her even closer to me until there’s no line that separates her tiny body from mine.

“Of course, she is. It’s not like you –”

“She’s mine.” I cut him off.

A huge weight lifts off my chest as I say those words. I can’t even recall how long I’ve bottled them inside. All I know is that it’s been so long that the inability to say them became painful at some point.

I chance a look at Kim, but she’s not watching Ronan or the scene. Her entire attention is zeroed on me, lips parted and that spark shining in her deep green eyes.

If they’re an enchanted forest, I’m ready to get lost in there and never be found.

Ronan raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“That’s right.” It’s with reluctance that I wrench my gaze from hers. “Now, shoo and keep your hands off her or I’m beating you the fuck up.”

“You’re forgetting something, Knight.” His lips curve into a smirk. “She went out with me first. Didn’t you, Kimmy?”

“You fucking –” I’m about to lunge at him, but she wraps both her slender hands around my arm. It’s just a touch, but it’s enough to quench all the fire inside.

“Stop it, Ro,” she scolds.

“Fine.” He rolls his eyes, then pins me with a glare. “One fuck-up and I’m taking her. Remember, prince charming is better than a knight in shining armour.”

“Fuck you.” I flip him off for good measure.

“No, thanks.” He waves at us on his way to his car. “Heard Captain has first privilege for that.”

“Fucker,” I mutter under my breath as Kim’s shoulders shake with laughter. “What are you laughing at?”

“The fact that Cole has first privileges. Elsa and Teal told me about how you and Cole were…you know.”

If she knew it was only because of his eye colour, she’d probably think I’m a freak, so I keep that bit of info to myself. “And you’re laughing because…?”

“I don’t know. It’s kind of weird but also strangely perverted to imagine you and Cole.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You’ve been imagining me and Cole?”

“No!” She hits my shoulder. “Well, maybe. I mean everyone at school has been talking about it. That doesn’t mean I want it to happen.”

“Why not?”

She lifts a shoulder. “I don’t like thinking about you with other people.”

“Is that why you punched Veronica?”

She winces but plants a hand on her hip. “Maybe I punched her for the same reason you wrestled with Ro.”

“His name is Ronan.”

“What if I like Ro better?”

“Kimberly,” I warn.

She wraps both arms around my waist and buries her head against my side so when she speaks, her voice is slightly muffled. “Say it again.”

“Kimberly?”

“No, the part you told Ronan earlier.”

“You’re mine?”

She nods several times.

I lift her chin so she’s staring at me when I say it this time, “You’re mine, Green. Now and always.”

“Always?”

“Fucking always.”

I lower my head to claim her lips when the clearing of a throat stops me.

Calvin stands at the door, helping Kirian with his backpack. As soon as the little man sees me, he abandons his father and storms towards me to hug my leg. “Xan!”

Kim blushes like a sack of tomatoes as she untangles herself from around me.

“Hey, Superman.” I give him a fist and he blows it.

“Are we going in your car? Are we?”