Chapter 3 - THE BORDERLINE
Marcus stood up slowly.
He kept Maya elevated, anchored securely on his left hip.
His right hand remained behind her head, shielding her eyes from the woman leaning against the island.
Vanessa smoothed her silk blouse with trembling, furious fingers.
Her posture stiffened.
"She was throwing a tantrum, Marcus," Vanessa snapped, her voice tightening with defensive bite.
"She was going to pull the hot tray off the counter."
Marcus didn't move a muscle.
His dark blue suit seemed to absorb the bright LED lighting of the kitchen, casting his shadow long across the floor.
His jaw muscles flexed, a hard ridge forming beneath his skin.
"Vanessa."
His voice was a gravel low register.
He pointed his thumb toward the front door.
"You ever treat my daughter like an animal again, you'll never come near her."
Vanessa let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
She crossed her arms over her chest.
"This is my home too!"
"I pay the mortgage!" she raised her voice, stepping forward.
"I take care of her while you're at the firm twelve hours a day!"
"You think raising a traumatized kid is easy?!"
Maya’s small fingers tightened on Marcus’s lapel.
She didn't look at Vanessa.
She kept her cheek pressed flat against her father's chest, listening to the heavy, steady thud of his pulse.
Her breath hitched again.
She raised one tiny, shaking arm.
May you like
Her hand didn't point at Vanessa.
Her small index finger, sticky with sugar, pointed straight up.
