Page 26 of Daddy's Little 1

She throws her hands in the air, muttering under her breath as she stalks away. I heave a sigh, wanting to call her back. Tell her I didn’t mean it. I scrub a hand over my face and grimace as I remember my cuts.

Before I can wallow in my guilt, Brenna returns with a first aid kit. She sits down next to me at the table and turns her chair toward me.

“What are you doing?” I growl, wincing as she dabs and wipes at the red streaks on my mouth and cheek.

She lifts turbulent eyes to mine. “If you don’t want me, be honest. I’m a grown woman. I can take it."

I search her face and know she’s serious. Damn. I know my girl is hurting, but she has a backbone of steel. If ever I needed proof that she’s all grown up and able to make her own decisions, this is it right here.

I’m still wrapping my head around how she fought for me and what she told James. That she’s in love with me. And for a moment, I thought she would convince him. Because she was right. Her da should want her to be happy and in love, even if it’s with someone who shouldn’t love her back.

But how could I not?

Brenna is everything I’ve ever wanted.

I love her.

Brenna has made her choice, and so have I. Because a life without her is no life at all.

“I choose you, Bren.”

She gently dabs at my mouth, leaning close. I want to kiss her. I don’t give a shit about my bust lip and throbbing cheek. I want to show her what she means to me.

"Brenna," I say softly. Her tortured expression tells me she's holding onto her chaotic emotions by a thread.

She ignores me, cleaning up my neck and chest. Hell, how much blood is there? Damn, James can throw a punch. Always could, but I never thought I’d be on the receiving end. He won’t be getting another free shot.

“Brenna,” I repeat, grasping her chin so she has to look at me. "You said you were in love with me."

She shakes her head, tears welling in her eyes. "It was the heat of the moment.”

My heart thuds heavily. "So, you didn’t mean it?”

"I didn’t say that," she snaps.

She pulls away, seemingly satisfied she’s cleaned me up. Then, she leaves me hanging as she goes to grab some frozen peas. She places them in my hand and crosses her arms over her chest until I put them against my cheek.

She looks away, but I reach out and pull her toward me with my free hand wrapped around her waist. “Because if you did mean it, we can get through this. We can get through anything.”

She frowns. “What are you saying?”

“I’m sayingtha gaol agam ort.”

Her frown deepens. “I don’t recognize that phrase.”

“That’s because I’ve never said it to anyone. It’s Gaelic. It means ‘I love you.’”

Her eyes widen. “As inyou—” she jabs a finger into my chest—“loveme?” She taps the area over her heart.

“Aye,mo chridhe. Mo anum cara.You’re my heart. My soulmate.”

“Mo chridhe.You said that to me the night we…”

“The night you gave me your virginity. A night I’ll cherish until my last breath. I love you, baby girl. I’ve fallen so fucking hard for you, Brenna, and nothing will ever change that. So if you meant what you said, that you love me, we can survive anything. I meant what I said. I’ve lost James’ friendship, but I won’t lose you. I”’ll always fight for you.”

Her face crumples as tears slide down her cheeks. "I love you so much, Roman. For so long. I just wish—”

“I know,” I say, cupping her face and kissing her softly. I groan as my lip throbs painfully. “Jesus, your da has a mean right hook.”

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