Page 33 of Painting Her Fate

Color me curious.

“Yes sir, one in the same.”

He’s stony, giving nothing away as their hands unlock. Zander’s posture is rigid, ready to be called to attention any second.

“It’s nice to meet a fellow Marine. I was stationed in the Gulf; saw the start to this damn war. OORAH, Corporal.” Dad’s expression is a mask now. Closed off. He and Mack keep things under wraps and tightly sealed. One thing was always clear though: these men are Marines for life.

“OORAH.” Zander’s chin tilts, a brief pause and sadness blanketing the atmosphere before he clears his throat, “just doing my duty, sir.” Zander paused, his expression shifting to something I haven’t seen from him yet.

There and gone in a flash but the effects lingered. He shifts the strap of his sling around, either as a nervous fidget or because of the pain. Grief, while masked well, it still pours off him in waves.

“Call me Dan, please. We will have no more of thatsirshit here.” His tone is all business, “Thank you for saving my daughter, she is everything to me, you have no idea.”

“Dad, stop.” The word exasperated doesn’t begin to cut it.

“I will do no such thing,” he stresses, “You are my one and only, sweetheart; you are the utmost important thing I have in my life.”

There’s a silence that fills the room and not one of us are quite sure how to break it.

“No thanks necessary.” Zander’s tone lightens as he regains himself,

“As I told Lili, I was in the right place at the right time.” His gaze moves from my dad to me, a soft smile beginning.

Bloody hell, that damned dimple.I’m in so much trouble if he keeps teasing me with that.Or he will be in trouble.

Mistress…

It’s then I catch his scent and all but lose myself. It’s a fresh woodland on a dark and stormy day where the rain pitter patters on the leaves. It’s clean with a little edge to it. It has my brain all foggy. I need a subject change, and fast.

“Ready to go?” I stammer, and is my voice a little higher pitched than normal? I begin fidgeting my fingers on the bottom hem of my jean jacket that I slung over my shoulder.

Do not lock eyes with either man, they will discern exactly what this rapid swell of foreign emotions could be.

“I’m ready whenever you are.” I sense him itching to get out of this place.

Any second now I’m expecting my father to demand Alexander park his arse in the chair so he can give this Marine, ‘the talk’.

My dad has a way of, as he states, ‘totally mind-fucking someone’ and twisting the limits on his sense of humor. Must be a Marine razing thing because I’ve never witnessed it with others, just dad and Mack.

“Will you be fine by yourself for a bit? Grandpa Frank should be here soon.” I reluctantly meet my dad’s all too knowing stare; his chin dips and brows draw together.Oh Christ, he knows something is up. He has to know. I don’t ever act this way.I ignore it and keep my chin held high as he nods, “I promise to be back tomorrow.” I lean down and am quick to add in, “Try to behave for the nurses.” He chuckles as I kiss his cheek and give him a gentle hug. “I love you.”

“I love you too sweetheart. You two have fun.” Dad grins.

His words have way too much vigor to sound casual. He definitely knows my plans and can see right through me. Mostly. A nurse takes that moment to check in.

“It was nice meeting you, Daniel.” Zander visibly relaxes after they shake hands.

“And you, Alexander. Thank you again. I’ll be sure to have you over for a beer as soon as I get the green light.” Dad gestures my way, “from that little lady.” I park my hands on my hips.

“Damn right.” I say, holding strong, “You’ll be sick of me in no time.” I’m quick to send Zander a grin. Dad bloody well be gearing up for my mothering- not to mention, once Claire is back from her trip, he will have two of us to contend with.

“Your dad seems in pretty good spirits.” Zander makes small talk in the elevator as we make our way out of the hospital.

“He’s strong.” I begin confidently, then my tone turns unabashed, “I just hope he behaves- for the sake of the nurses.” Dad is as stubborn as they come, in yet, I wouldn’t have him any other way. Zander begins stripping off his sling the moment we make it outside.

“Why are you taking that off?” Am I going to have to get on him, too? It be best to prepare myself.

“I’m not driving with this damned thing on.” He huffs in annoyance, and I huff right back.

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