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Yvette took a calming breath, softening her tone. “I understand that you were raised with strict discipline. You believe it made you who you are—but can’t you see how much it’s hurting her?”

“She needs structure,” Killian insisted, though his voice lacked its usual conviction. “She needs to learn?—”

“She needsyou,” Yvette interrupted, her voice cracking with emotion. “Not a disciplinarian. Not a tyrant barking orders. She needs her father—someone who loves her enough to be patient… to be kind.”

His gaze wavered, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something vulnerable in his stormy eyes.

“I am doing what I think is best,” he said gruffly, almost defensively.

Yvette stepped closer, her voice soft but resolute. “Being strong doesn’t mean being cold. She’s just a little girl, Killian… she’s not a soldier in your regiment.”

His fists clenched at his sides, but he said nothing, so Yvette continued.

“You’re either blind, or you’re ignoring the fact that you’re hurting her.”

And with that, she stormed down the hallway.

Yvette marched toward her room, her pulse hammering in her chest as the weight of their argument caused a frown to appear on her forehead.

He was impossible.

As soon as she reached her door and grasped the handle, the heavy sound of boots striding toward her filled the corridor.

Before she could react, a strong hand circled her wrist, spinning her around.

“Repeat what you just said,” Killian commanded, his voice low and dangerous.

His stormy blue eyes locked onto hers, sharp with intensity.

Yvette yanked her arm, but his grip didn’t budge.

“I said you’re either blind, or you’re ignoring the fact that you’re hurting your daughter. And it is so unfair, because you know it is wrong.”

“Yvette,” his voice was a warning.

“There are so many things you do that are wrong!” she added and Killian narrowed his eyes, his grip on her arm tightening.

“Do enlighten me.”

“Like how one moment you are distant and heartless, the next… you are gentle and—” she clenched her jaw, “—kind.”

His expression hardened. “Ye think kindness is a flaw?”

“No, but unpredictability is.” Her voice trembled, though whether from anger or something far more treacherous, she couldn’t tell. “Like kissing me like I was your entire world, and then calling the act a mistake.”

Yvette paused, now aware of how close he was.

Killian’s jaw clenched. “Careful,wife.”

“No, you be careful,husband,” she hissed, stepping closer, her anger outweighing her caution.

“You need to choose. Be cruel or be kind. But stop dragging me, and everyone else, through this storm of yours.”

His nostrils flared as he stared down at her. “Ye think I choose this?” His voice was rough, like gravel. “Ye think it’s easy for me to be near ye—to want ye—and still keep my damn distance?”

Her breath caught, heart pounding. “Then don’t.”

The challenge hung heavily between them, taut and electric. His gaze dropped to her lips, darkening with hunger, and in one swift move, he backed her against her closed door. His hands framed her face, holding her still.