Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 635

Elliot furrowed his tiny brows in a stern warning, "Before my mom takes a liking to you, hands off, buddy. And don't you dare make her do anything she doesn't want to!"

Elliot sounded like a protective father laying down the law to his daughter’s suitor. Scratch that, not a suitor, just one of the potential candidates.

Tarquin's lips twitched, itching to say 'kids shouldn't meddle in adult affairs,' but he didn't want to upset Elliot. After all, Elliot was looking after Elysia like a doting dad with his little girl!

Tarquin didn't argue, "I won't make her do anything she doesn't want to." Stealing a kiss... that didn't count! And going further, like getting intimate, he definitely wouldn't force her.

Elliot gave him another meaningful look, shifting the topic back to Keith, "I can't convince my mom to move houses, but I'll warn her to steer clear of Keith. Once we're back, I'll do some digging on him."

Tarquin breathed a sigh of relief, nodding. Though he couldn't persuade Elliot to talk Elysia into moving, at least Elliot was aware that Keith was bad news. Mission somewhat accomplished. And with no evidence to back his claims, Elliot's trust was touching. This kid must really like him, must be really keen on having him as a dad! Even if it's not by blood, Tarquin was more than happy to play the role!

Thinking to himself, feeling a surge of fatherly affection, "What flavor of ice cream do you want? I'll grab some for you. Don’t worry, if Elysia finds out, I'll cover for you."

...

Meanwhile, Elysia was oblivious to the fact that her 'home' had been 'invaded,' her kids thoroughly 'kidnapped'! She was busy ranting in her bedroom! She called Tarquin shameless, a scoundrel! And she was peeved: why should she get kissed by him every time she sees Keith? Who did he think he was to her! Yes, he was the father of her child, but that was it! What a jerk! She even cursed him for being a wasteful spender, thinking about all those caregivers, all that money, it made her cringe! As if she was the one paying!