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A grin slunk across Deacon’s face "So naive, aren’t you, babe?"

"It’s Miss Evans" I took a step back froiving ht you in here so we could talk aboutout one of the chairs at a long table, he gestured for me to take a seat Reluctantly, I walked over and eased down onto the plush leather Instead of sitting beside me, he walked over to take the seat across from me After he leaned back in his chair, he pursed his lips at me "So talk"

"I’m very concerned that Willow has ht not to be in class I see now that she isn’t sick" Leaning forith my elbows on the table, I asked, "What is this about you keeping her out because it isn’t safe?"

Deacon’s expression darkened "That’s none of your fucking business"

"You s differently"

"Are you threatening me, Miss Evans?" he questioned The harshness of his tone, coupled with his slightlyexpression, made me burrow deeper into the chair to try to escape hi facts, Mr Malloy," I replied,from nerves

He shook his head "You have a lot of fucking nerve, co to runat all I just hat is best for Willow"

"I think as her father I knohat is best for her," he countered

"With all due respect, you’ve only been her father for a few months"

Deacon shot out of his chair "Get out!"

Even though round "No"

"Excuse me?"

"I said no," I whispered

Deacon’s dark eyes widened "Would you prefer me to throw you out?"

When he started around the table, I held up my hand "Please, just listen to ardless of whatever dangers there are in your world or whether you’re suitable to be a parent, I don’t think that Willow should be taken away froh too much trauma to be taken from those she loves I can tell she’s happy here … that she’s loved here"

He cocked his brows questioningly at me "You mean that?"

"Yes, I really do"