Though he was leaning toward getting the fuck out of there and trying it again once his father got his shit together.

But Sylas moved to the center of the room, and in a cajoling voice said, “I know what that must have sounded like. You don’t understand. My son and I have a certain kind of banter.”

“Well, regardless that it didn’t sound at all like banter, I know you used the word pussy in a derogatory way, and since I have one, and it’s rather precious to me, I find that offensive,” Hattie returned.

Axl had to look to his feet to concentrate on not shouting with laughter or walking across the room to give her a high five.

He lifted his head when Hattie continued.

“But that’s beside the point. Your son means a great deal to me. He’s a really good man. He’s funny and he’s sweet and he’s insightful and he treats me with kindness and respect. He’s protective and he’s supportive. And he’s a fantastic cook. And if you think all of that is ‘pussy,’ well, I agree. Because it’s pretty damned fantastic, if you ask me.”

“Brava, Hattie,” Rachel crowed.

Hattie’s body jolted like she had no idea anyone else was in the room.

“Sylas, apologize to Hattie,” Rachel demanded.

His dad knew many things, as he’d be the first to tell you, and one of them was: when you face a surprising adversary, you use any means available to find a way to best them.

This time, he picked contrition and charm.

“You’re absolutely right, Hattie. For too long that word has been used egregiously, and it was equally crass, my usage of it.” He went for the gusto, putting his hand on his chest. “Sincerely, I apologize.”

“It wasn’t me you were baiting,” Hattie returned.

Well, shit.

Axl couldn’t stop smiling.

His father turned to him and the skin around his eyes was tight.

Yep.

Axl was probably going to smile all night.

“Sorry, kid, I took that too far.”

“You did,” Axl agreed.

“Okay then,” Rachel said loudly, taking hold of Hattie and moving her into the room. “That’s done. How about we move on? Hattie,” she looked to his woman, “I understand if you’re uncomfortable, but really, we’d like you to stay. And I promise, Sylas can behave himself.”

She ended that on a look at his father that Axl had never seen.

It was so pointed and sharp, it was a miracle Sylas didn’t start bleeding.

Hattie looked at Axl and she did it hard.

“I’m good, baby,” he said.

She instantly turned to his mother. “We’ll stay.”

Okay, yeah.

He knew it before.

He knew it a fuckuva better right then.

He was totally fucking falling in love with this unbelievably kickass woman.

Hattie moved from his mom to him.