Page 69 of Kiss Me Forever

“No. This is my friend. You wanted us here for dinner, and we’re here. Why are you acting like this?”

“Why do you think we’re acting like this? You are the one who wanted to have this dinner, Bella. We told you at the start of the summer that this was how it was going to be. Your mother is no longer here, and we do not have to deal with this kind of insubordination anymore. We didn’t want to raise a child again, not when we have our future in front of us. And now your father has finally stepped up to the plate.”

“Watch how you talk to my daughter,” Reece snapped. “In fact, don’t talk to her at all.”

“What are you going to do? Use those workman hands to beat me up?” Mrs. Long slurred.

“Barbara, settle down.” Reginald shook his head, as bile rose in my throat. I pulled Bella into my arms, wrapping one arm around her waist and keeping her close by. I wanted to tuck her behind me, but I didn’t think she would budge.

“I’m sorry,” Bella burst out, tears sliding from her eyes.

“This was a mistake. Not even a little mistake.”

“Why did you even want us to come if you were going to react like this?” Reece spit out.

“I wanted to see if my granddaughter was whole and happy. It seems that you’re right on track for raising her into a Fox.” He spoke the word Fox like it was derogatory, but in my estimation, the Fox half of her was the only thing keeping her steady. I finally pulled Bella behind me, and looked at Reece, wondering what the hell we were going to do.

“No. You do not get to speak to your granddaughter in that tone.”

“My daughter is dead,” Barbara shouted. “She’s dead, and I’m not dealing with that.” She pointed at Bella as if she were a monster, and I snapped.

“Don’t you dare talk to her. Or even look at her. What is wrong with you?” I asked.

“You don’t even belong here. Thinking you can step into my daughter’s shoes.”

“I’m not doing anything of the sort. But I care for Bella. She’s my friend, and I don’t let anybody talk to my friends with that kind of menace.”

“Oh, the Rochesters were right about you. Always clinging to social status. But you’re not getting any of our money through Bella. She gets nothing. Our daughter is dead, and I’m not dealing with her mistakes.”

It was Bella’s grandfather who said that last part, shocking me. Bella let out a wail, and I turned, putting my back to them as I pulled Bella close.

“We’re leaving,” I whispered.

But then I turned at the sound of glass shattering, and realized that Reece was right in the old man’s face. He hadn’t touched him, but Mr. Long had dropped his glass, shaking.

“The next time you speak to me it’ll be through our lawyers. Bella is mine. I’m going to take care of my kid always. If you even dare to contact her, my lawyers will be on you so fast you’ll have to get your other hip replaced. You get me, old man?”

“Don’t you dare speak to my husband like that.”

“Lady, I’m not some kid that you can try to whip about. I don’t know what this dog and pony show was for, but I’m done. Fuck you both.” And with that, Reece whirled, and I tugged Bella towards the front door. Without saying a thing, Reece moved towards me, pulled a crying Bella into his arms, and tucked her underneath his chin.

Tears threatened, and I quickly opened the door, ignoring Henry the butler, and ran towards the SUV so we could get Bella situated.

“I’m going to sit in the back with her,” I said, and Reece just nodded tightly.

We buckled Bella in, and I held her close as she cried silently, and then Reece was in the front seat, tires squealing as he pulled out of the long driveway.

He didn’t say a damn thing, but the white on his knuckles told me that he was ready to hurt someone.

I wasn’t sure if there was anything I could say, so I just held Bella as she finally quieted, and pulled away, wiping her tears. She stared out the window, but I took her hand, tangling her fingers with mine. When Reece parked near an overlook where we could see the sunset, I let out a shaky breath, and he turned off the engine.

Without a word he got out of the SUV, and I undid Bella’s seatbelt. “Let’s go get some fresh air.”

“Okay.”

The smallness of her voice nearly broke me, and I kissed her temple, before Reece was there to open up her door, and pull her out of the car. I followed, sliding my hand into Reece’s as he helped me out of the large SUV. He closed the door behind us, and the three of us stood on the lookout, with Bella between us.

“I’m sorry,” Reece said, his voice shaky.