Page 43 (1/2)

“Guess you couldn’t see that there withbody before he passes out cold

His son is quicker on the offense now, and with his fists swinging he charges at me as I turn to face him

His best right hook connects with my jaw

I hear so with me to stop

Can’t do that right now honey, too busy defending myself

“That first punch?” I ask the kid before returning one of ht Oh, and if I see you near either of us again, I’ll give you a repeat prescription, your dad too,” I let him know

His eyesjust before my fist shatters his jaw

A ave hi me

Both are out cold, Brynn shrieks again and leaps fro if I’m hurt

“There they are,” I tell her, jutting my chin down at the unconscious bullies Cowards really

“You don’t have to worry about theain, or anyone else like ‘eain until she nods yes

Until I can see they have no power over her anymore

“And what about your mom?” I ask her “Is she likely to be a part of any of this?” I ask, but Brynn shakes her head

“I think I was done trying to stick up for her years ago,” Brynn sighs “If she thinks Steve and Brad are gonna make her a happy family, she can have them,” she says, not even a trace of emotion in her voice until I take her hand in mine

“Can we go?” she asks, her lower lip starting to trele tear she sheds before I bring it to my lips

“My little stoay, huh? I like it I like it a lot” I bea her up as I do, spinning her around as I kiss her harder

Hugging her so tight, holding her so close she couldn’t ever think I’d let her go for another second ever again, and proving to her that nobody will ever say a harsh word to her ever again either

So for us and what happened

I brush it off, not needing to prove anything to anyone or explain myself either