Page 54 of Colt

Silence fell over us, so thick and biting it was almost tangible.

The need to speak and fill the awkwardness with my ramblings hit me hard, but I always did that, always trying to put the other person at ease. I was a people pleaser, and I hated it. Maybe I was a by-product of my childhood. Some kids did terrible things to get their dad’s attention. I went the other way. I was quiet and agreeable because my dad puffed out his chest whenever somebody told him what a perfect daughter he had.

It was the only time he ever smiled at me.

As I got older, I began to challenge him. When I pointed out his misogyny, he’d sigh and look to the heavens, cursing under his breath.

Eventually, I stopped being his little girl altogether. Instead, I became his worst nightmare—a woman with a mouth who had no issue using it.

I didn’t care though. Being good didn’t get me anywhere, and why shouldn’t I voice my opinions? Cara did, and Kennedy too. Sophie and Layla were less vocal but quietly assertive. Dad married my mom, who wouldn’t take shit, and Iris, although loving, had a will of steel.

Dad respected them, so why couldn’t he respect me?

We drove through town, the awkward silence heavy and oppressive. I breathed a sigh of relief when, eventually, we approached the hospital.

It was square in shape, with additional annexes added on. It hadn’t changed since I was here last. It looked clean and clinical, much like any other hospital.

Colt stopped at a barrier and told security who we were visiting. After a few seconds, the barrier lifted, and we drove into a parking lot, and he turned the engine off.

“You ready, Princess? he asked, looking up at the building.

I nodded, unclipping my seat belt before leaning down to grab my purse. “Let’s get this done.”

His eyes narrowed at me for a second. Then he sighed, throwing the door open.

I exited the car too, making sure not to look at him. After having time to think things through, my mood had dipped. Loving Colt didn’t give him an automatic pass to talk down to me.

The air was cool and crisp. I loved fall and how nature began preparing for the long winter sleep. Hitching my purse over my shoulder, I followed the signs for the reception.

“Hey,” Colt muttered, taking my arm roughly. “Wait for me, Princess.”

I shook him off. “Stop calling me that. I’m not a princess. You all seem to think I live in some ivory tower, but I see and do things on the daily that would make men puke. I’m no fucking princess, okay?”

Colt held his hands up defensively. “What the hell’s the matter with you?”

I rolled up on my toes, getting in his face. “Your mood swings piss me off.”

Colt leaned closer. “You live in a dream world. I’m trying to make you see that things won’t always be easy.” He raised a hand to cup my cheek. “Drop the attitude.”

“Ugh!” I bit out. “You drive me crazy.” I wrenched myself away from him, turned on my fabulous heels, and sashayed toward reception, making sure to put a little extra swing into my ass.

We approached the building, heading toward the glass double doors that housed the veteran we’d come here to see. Colt sauntered past me, grabbed the handle, and opened the door with a flourish of his arm. “Ladies first.”

I stuck my nose in the air and strutted past him, smiling prettily at the male receptionist whose eyes fell on me and widened slightly.

“Hey!” I approached the desk and leaned on it. “We’re here to see—”

“Edward Matthews,” Colt said, effectively cutting me off.

The receptionist gaped at me.

Colt clicked his fingers a few times in the receptionist’s face. “Earth to asshole. Come in, asshole.”

I turned and slapped him hard across the chest. “Hey! Don’t be rude!”

The receptionist cocked an eyebrow at Colt, nodding toward me. “Yeah,” he muttered. “What she said.”

The air in the room cooled.

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