Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 109640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
“I want what’s best for my daughter.”
“That makes two of us.”
“And you think that’s you?”
“No, I don’t, but she does. And that’s all that matters.”
Cabrera tipped his head and studied Crew. He did not avoid the man’s gaze but met it head-on.
“You’d fight for her, wouldn’t you?”
Did he mean physically? Or metaphorically? Either way… “I would. And I’d do everything in my power to protect her, too, whether she likes it or not.”
“She’s a challenge.”
And that was news? “I’m aware.”
“I want grandchildren.”
“Step-grandkids will have to suffice. And even if it doesn’t, it’s her choice whether to have children or not, not yours.”
“You’ve made that decision for her.”
“You raised her to be independent. Do you really think she’d allow me to make that decision for her? I was completely open and honest with her about both my vasectomy and what stage I’m at in my life.”
Once more, Luis Cabrera stared at him for far longer than was comfortable. And because of that, Crew wasn’t expecting the next statement out of the man’s mouth. “You love her.”
“I wouldn’t still be standing here dealing with the shit you’ve been shoveling at me if I didn’t.”
“While you’re a good man and a great agent, Crew, I’m not sure you’re good for my daughter.”
“I guess time will tell.”
“And I’ll be watching.”
“Like any good father would,” Crew responded. “I only ask you don’t interfere.”
“That’s a lot to ask.”
“Then I won’t ask. I’ll outright tell you not to interfere. It’s a quick and sure way to alienate your daughter if you do.”
“You act like you know my daughter better than I do.”
“We know her in two different ways. To you, as a child. To me, as a partner. I thank you for everything you’ve done for her as her father, by raising her and giving her a solid start, but I’ll take it from here.”
Again, Cami’s father didn’t say shit for the longest time and only stared at Crew.
After a few more moments, Cabrera said, “I look forward to us reconnecting over dinner. I’m sure we both have eighteen years’ worth of stories to tell about our time in the DEA.”
What just happened?
Even if it was only a temporary reprieve, it made Crew’s chest loosen enough for him to breathe a little easier.
He nodded. “Should be an interesting conversation. I’ll let Cami know you’re in town. I’m sure you’ll hear from her once I do. Now… Am I dismissed or does Williams need me for something else?”
“He doesn’t and you are.”
Thank fuck.
Crew blinked in surprise when the man extended his hand again. Could this be a truce? Was Cabrera done trying to flay Crew open?
He took it and gave it a firm shake. “See you tonight,” Crew said as he stepped around Cami’s father so he could get the fuck out of there while the getting was good.
As he did, Cabrera stopped him with, “One more thing… Don’t ever call me Dad,” and slapped him hard on the back.
Epilogue
“Is that normal?” Cami whispered in Crew’s ear.
“What?”
“That the man rides behind the woman. I never saw that before. Not with your MC or with the Demons.”
“It is definitely not normal,” Crew assured her, glancing over at where Monty straddled her Harley and her boyfriend Clark sat behind her as her backpack. Clueless to the fucking world. And the judgment from the rest of Monty’s “brothers.”
“Why do I get the feeling you guys bust on him for it?”
“Now why would you think that?” he asked innocently.
“You can’t see my eyes rolling,” she said, “but you can probably hear them.”
“We were told to leave Clark alone.”
“And do you?”
“We do our best,” he answered.
Cami snorted. “I think it’s cute that he rides on her bike instead of his own.”
Crew kept his thoughts about that to himself.
“Don’t you?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“I’ve never seen a man look at a woman like he does her. He’s so enamored with her.”
“Mmm hmm.”
Cami whacked his arm. “Don’t be a jerk.”
“Look,” he finally said, “the man is so far gone over Monty, I’m sure he doesn’t give a fuck what we think.” Or say.
“He probably doesn’t and I’m sure that drives all of you crazy. The man is just living his life and loving his woman. He’s obviously content simply spending time with her.”
He squeezed her denim-clad knee. “Like I am with mine.”
“You don’t look at me like that.”
“Sure I do. You just don’t pay attention.”
“Can you go grab my eyeballs? They rolled right out of my head this time.”
“Where’d they go?”
“If I could see them, I’d tell you.”
“Probably the same place Clark’s balls went.”
“Crew!”
He shrugged.
“Anyway, now that I know I’m going to be staying in the area and will soon have a permanent place to live, I think I’ll go Harley shopping.”
They were currently both staying in Fletch’s house for two reasons. The first being the pool so Cami could swim daily. The second was Murphy. Fletch’s house was bigger than Crew’s condo, plus it had a fenced yard.