Page 135 of Steel

Kenneth was befuddled.

“He’s running for Congress, Vi,” Steel said. It was the first time he used a nickname and the one my mother had used.

Kenneth grumbled about not being the one to tell me the great news. “Oh, I get it.” I opened the envelope, pulling out the check. “Wow. Five hundred thousand dollars. To shut me up. Is that it?”

“It’s merely an incentive.”

I laughed in Kenneth’s face while shoving the envelope against his chest. “I don’t want your money. Don’t worry. You won’t be hearing from me on the campaign trail, but if you’re so eager, you can sign your rights away as his parent and I’ll accept. That way you won’t need to worry about child support or thinking about him on his birthday. All I want is for you to leave.”

As I backed away, throwing up my hands, his entire face turned red. I was determined to get away from him, but he made the mistake of yanking me backward.

“That’s not good enough,” he snarled.

“You just made a huge mistake,” I whispered, the tone filled with glee while my voice was hushed.

I expected my savior to come to my rescue. What I didn’t expect was my son to come stomping toward Kenneth, pushing his legs.

“Get away from my mother. She doesn’t want you here and neither do I.” I’d never heard so much conviction in my son’s voice. If I was being honest, I’d say he sounded like someone I knew. Someone ready to beat the crap out of Kenneth.

Kenneth was furious, his face twisting in rage, and not only was Damon’s protector in Steel eager and willing to beat the man to a pulp, so was the majority of the crowd, including Axe who stood only a few feet away.

Maybe my ex was smart to realize he was outnumbered. His features softened as he peered down at Damon. I couldn’t help but think at some point my son would be much taller.

“I’m your dad, Damon.” Interesting how he accentuated my child’s name.

Damon peered up at him with a thoughtful expression. “No, you’re not. If anyone is, it’s Steel.” He backed up on purpose until he was standing only inches from the powerful smokejumper. “You’re not allowed to hurt my mother any longer. She doesn’t need you.”

“He’s right, although I’ve never needed you. Take your money, Kenneth. Like I said, you’re not wanted here.” I yanked my arm free, tossing the envelope at his feet.

“We’ll see to it he leaves, Violet,” Axe assured me.

“Thank you. Come on, Damon. We have a birthday to enjoy.”

“Okay, Mom.” My son did one more thing that surprised me; he took my hand into his. Even more shocking, he grasped Steel’s with the other.

There was no harm done because Damon immediately went back to what he was doing. When I tried to tip my head over my shoulder, Steel stepped in front.

“Have you ever heard the expression it’s time to stop looking in the past?” He lifted a single eyebrow.

“I know. You’re right. I’m just angry.”

“I get it. Trust me. If I see that ugly mug of his again, I’ll beat his ass.”

Now I could smile as I peered at him. “I would really enjoy seeing that happen. But don’t tell anyone I told you that.”

“I won’t tell a soul.”

“Scout’s honor?”

He held up his fingers. “You bet. I will say that money would have gone a long way into helping you build your life.”

I looked away just as Kenneth was shoving the envelope into his jacket pocket. What had I ever seen in the man? “Yeah, I know, but I don’t ever want Damon to think there’s a price for his love. He’s my little rock.”

“And exactly like his mother. You both have a big heart.”

As I brushed my palm against his chest, the same tingles drifted through him. However, I also noticed a gleam in his eyes. “What?”

“What do you mean what?”