Chapter 24

Liana’s POV

“I’ll take care of her,” Killian continued, his tone even. “Liana’s my responsibility. She and Ryan… they’re my family. I’ll do right by her. I’ll love her. I’ll protect her. I’ll never leave again.”

Dad’s laugh was dry, cold. “Do right by her? Are you hearing yourself? You’re married, Killian. You are still legally tied to another woman, and you’re standing here telling me you’ll protect my daughter? From what? From yourself?”

“I’m divorcing Cynthia,” Killian said, quiet but clear.

“It doesn’t matter!” Dad snapped. “It doesn’t undo anything! It doesn’t erase the fact that you were engaged when you touched her. It doesn’t change the fact that you’re her stepbrother. And I am still married to your mother!”

Killian’s hands were clenched, his knuckles white, but he said nothing.

“This is all wrong,” Dad continued, his voice rising, growing harsher with every of the word he spoke. “You two… you think you can play house and pretend t