Page 103 of Badges
Ford may be pissed at me, but I don’t care. I’m saving him the grief and danger of getting tied up in the past.
I should know. I’ve been trapped in my own web of history for a decade.
Cynthia’s beaming smile shifts my mood, even after hearing Ford ride off.
“We’re gonna need to keep an eye on him,” Dixon mutters from my right. He props one foot on the bottom rail of the fence and drapes his arms over the top. “He’s still prone to doing stupid shit. Especially with Halloween bearing down on us, with a baby on the way to top it off.”
“Speaking of—” I need to shift this conversation. “—how are the twins?”
Like a switch being flipped, Dixon’s frown transforms into a broad grin. “They’re amazing. I can’t believe they’re four months old already. Violet’s laughing.” He shakes his head, focusing on Char. “It’s a trip, man,” he says with a sigh.
Elena’s fingers tighten on the fabric of my shirt.
When I glance at her, the corner of her mouth trembles and a sheen of unshed tears cling to her lower lids.
“I think that’s so sweet.” Her words are low enough I’m not sure if they were intended for Dixon to hear them.
A few months ago, I had no way to relate to him about what it was like to be a parent.
But watching my own daughter giggling when the nose of her horse touches her chest just about makes me want to cry as well.
Jesus, I’m a completely different man now that I’m a father.
Knowing I have a name for the man who threatened her gives me a new mission.
Protect my family at any cost.
Crotchless
Eena
“No, you need todo your homework first, young lady.” I cross my arms, staring her down.
“Char said it’s important I work with her every day.” Cynthia’s lip sticks out rebelliously. “I have riding lessons tonight, so I have to do this now.”
“Cynthia Anne. Get your ass to your room and do your math. You can spend time with Trixie when you get back.” I don’t budge, staring her down.
“Bullshit,” she retorts. “Then I have to go to bed. I wish I could go to Char’s earlier like she offered.” Her arms sling over her chest, mirroring my posture.
It irritates me when she swears, but I’m trying to pick my battles.
“Your dad won’t be home until five. And you know Abe is out of town for a few days. You’re stuck until then.” I flick my fingers in a failing attempt to shoo her towards her room.
“This would be better if you didn’t have that stupid thing.” She points at my ankle monitor. “You used to have a car, too. What happened to your Jeep?”
“Even if I did have a vehicle doesn’t mean I’d be driving your entitled ass. Go do yourdamn homework!” I yell, losing my temper.
Her nose wrinkles, but she turns on her heel. “You aren’t my mother!” she screams, slamming her door shut behind her.
Fuck.
I love her. But sometimes I want to strangle her.
Some days it’s nice that Wade is involved. I don’t have to be the bad guy every time.
She seems to worship the ground he walks on, so when he lays down the law, she listens.
I just hate that she’s right. I don’t have my Jeep anymore, and I miss it.
