Page 133 of Running Winter

"Because when I'm with him, I'm happier than I've ever been. I want to be with him all the time, and I don’t want to spend a day without him. I drive him crazy with my shit, but he doesn't leave. I don't expect you to understand—"

I was cut off when Dad smiled faintly, shaking his head.

"Oh, but I do. When you're as fucked up as I am and find someone like your mother, you marry them. Then you spend your whole life doing as they say."

We exchanged a look before Dad nodded at the bed.

Leigh’s eyes flickered, resting on me.

"Raven," he croaked out, a smile breaking across his face. His eyes clocked Dad at the end of the bed, panic taking over his face briefly until Dad spoke.

"I've had quite the beating from my wife and daughter for what I did. So, I apologize. But know this. If you ever hurt her, in any way, I will kill you, and there won't be a damn thing either of them can do to stop me."

"I couldn’t hurt her, Lucas."

I turned towards him as he spoke, my heart racing. His eyes locked onto mine, and I finally let the tears fall.

"If I did, she would definitely kill me first."

I laughed then, despite my tears.

Leigh was right, of course, but I knew he wouldn't hurt me.

"Do you think I'm that crazy?" I asked, tilting my head towards him as he nodded instantly.

"Abso-fuckin-lutely."

"Well. When you're all patched up and able to walk, you should come over to discuss your new role," Dad said quietly, glancing at Leigh as he stood up to his full height.

"What's that?" Leigh coughed, his eyes darting to mine.

“Cleaning up after her.” Dad nodded at me with amusement. “Welcome to the shit show, Leigh.”

With that, he winked at me, leaning over to kiss my forehead. Dad always smelled amazingly good, and I reached up to bury my head in his chest when I hugged him.

He tightened his grip around me before muttering something in my ear.

"I know who sent her."

My eyes flew open to see Dad nod at me solemnly.

"Let the games begin," I whispered as Dad chuckled.

"Way ahead of you, babe."

I love my family.

R A F E

"You said it was straight! Fuck, Heather!"

We stared at the shelf above her bed, and Heather's shoulders shook with laughter.

I folded my arms, staring at the ceiling as I counted to ten.

One shelf, one measly fucking shelf, had nearly killed me off.

"Well, fuck it. I'm glad you find it funny because now you've got yourself a wonky shelf," I scoffed, staring down at the beautiful woman beside me.

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