I shrugged, “If he had hurt you... Oh yeah.”
Then he moved to me and wrapped me in his arms.
I squeezed him back.
What neither of us knew was that plans were being made as the biggest man I’ve ever met looked at his daughter, then at the two of us.
And he hoped like fuck she was attracted to him like he was to her.
But... something was going to hold him back.
And it would end up breaking both of their hearts.
‘There’s a feeling that can stick with you no matter how hard you try to push through life as if nothing bothers you... feeling unwanted.’
– Bronson’s Secret Thoughts.
Chapter 5
Bronson
Cole climbed into the truck as we followed Madalyn and Lila to Gushers.
“Did you really say that to that little fucker?” I asked.
He chuckled, “Oh yeah.”
I waited, but he didn’t expand further on that; however, I wanted to know why.
“Why?” I asked.
I felt his head snap toward me and then felt his eyes on the side of my face, “Why?”
I nodded, “Yeah. Why’d you say anything to him at all?”
“Dad, I don’t get what you're asking.”
I sighed, “You only stand up for Madalyn and me. Which I get because it’s how I raised you. But why do you do it for Lila?”
“Ain’t never had anyone in my life that would go balls to the wall for me. You do it because you're my dad. I appreciate it. But... coming from someone who does it because she truly cares... yeah, I’ll get real upset if anyone messes with her. Cause hurting her would hurt me.”
Those words.
The power of those words.
I swallowed.
Feelings unlike anything I’ve ever felt before raced through me.
Anger.
Honor.
Pride.
Love.
Fear.
