Page 50 of Unleashed

Fuck.

Zara is way less stunned than I am. She snatches the piece of plastic up without hesitation, clutching it against her chest. “Can I get a pony too?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Sure.”

My eyes are so wide as I stare at Trevor, they start to burn. “You know she means an actual living, breathing animal, right?” I point out my sister’s actual request, assuming he’s thinking she wants something filled with fluff that doesn’t eat or shit.

“I guessed as much.” Again, he seems indifferent. Like dishing out ponies to girls living in trailers is a completely normal thing.

I gape at Trevor, because I’m pretty sure he’s lost what little mind he had. “Where in the hell do you think she’s going to put a pony?”

“I know you’ve seen my house, Maren.” He leans back in his seat, watching me with a sharp gaze. “I have plenty of space for anything she wants.”

“I want a miniature cow too.” Zara’s not one to miss an opportunity. “And maybe a capybara.”

Trevor’s head swivels her way. “What in the hell is a capybara?”

“It doesn’t matter, because you’re not getting her one.”

I’ve spent my life trying to give Zara everything she needs, and an acceptable amount of what she wants. I feel like I’ve done pretty well in finding a balance between making sure she feels loved while ensuring she doesn’t end up spoiled.

Trevor obviously doesn’t understand the importance of balance when it comes to raising a kid.

“But he said he would give me whatever I want,” Zara argues, and I can’t really blame her. If everything I’ve ever hoped and dreamed of having was on the line, I’d probably fight for it too.

If I’d lived the sort of life that allowed me the luxury of having hopes and dreams.

I give my sister a stern look. “That’s because he’s an idiot with more money than he knows what to do with.”

“I know exactly what to do with my money, Maren.” Trevor’s gaze simmers on mine. “Trust me.”

Why does he have to keep looking at me like that? Better question, why does he have to keep bringing up that stupid agreement? It’s distracting. And makes it very difficult to forget just how poor my decision-making skills really are.

“Trevor isn’t spending any more money on either of us.” I grab his credit card and slam it down on the table in front of him. “Actually, Trevor probably needs to go home now.” I stand up from my seat, shoving the chair back as I go. “He has very important things to be doing.”

Trevor’s eyes narrow on me for just a second before he slowly gets to his feet. “Actually, I do have very important things to be doing.”

I’m relieved. Kind of. Sort of.

Not really.

Why in the hell am I disappointed he’s leaving so easily? I don’t want him here. Not in my house. Not around my sister. Not in my life at all. I want him to go home.

For sure. Definitely. Seriously.

Mostly.

He turns to Zara. “Thank you so much for having dinner with me. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”

“You can come back tomorrow.” My sister immediately makes the offer, and when I see the smile spreading across Trevor’s face, I gasp.

“You just did that on purpose.” He knew exactly what he was doing. That my sister would instantly invite him back over.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Trevor gives me an easy smile. “Tomorrow night, I’ll bring dinner.”

He turns, walking straight out the door, leaving me gaping.