Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
He took his protection to the extreme when he burned down Ian’s toy store, while also releasing some of his pent-up aggression and anger. While I didn’t agree with Dalton’s actions in the slightest, I could at least partially understand them. More than anything, this man needed help to get over his past and brighten his future. I hoped that prison gave him an opportunity to clear his head, and that he sought more help when he was released.
But my priority was Andy, whom I knew would return shortly. “I won’t argue that you got a bum deal, but you can’t take it out on others; especially Andy. You no longer have to be responsible for him; I’m here for him now. I will care for him and provide for him. I will give him everything he needs.”
“Until you get tired of his pansy ass and bolt too,” he replied with an eye roll.
My patience snapped. I was trying to be kind and understanding, but Dalton was making it difficult. He apparently only spoke one language, and I’d have to dip into my dark side to get through to him.
“I’ve got limitless finances and extreme power,” I told him flatly. “I can make your life a living hell. I can even end it.” While it was my life’s goal to relieve human suffering, I could make an exception if Dalton pushed me hard enough.
The ‘limitless finances’ part seemed to grab his attention. He leaned in closer and said, “You have money? Pay me. If you can take care of Andrew, you can take care of me too.”
“Counter offer; I won’t pay your cellmates to shank you in the shower.”
A menacing grin crossed his lips. “Oh, that would make Andrew happy, wouldn’t it? To lose his only family?”
The asshole had me by the balls and he knew it. As much as I disliked him, I loved Andy more. “I’ll keep your rent and bills current,” I offered. It would break Andy’s heart if his brother was homeless. “When you are released, everything will be as you left it.”
“Hmm, I’m hearing a lot about things being taken care of while I’m in here, but nothing about when I get out.”
Be strong for your boy. Don’t break this glass and choke the life out of him. Andy would never forgive you. “They will be covered for your lifetime,” I conceded. The amount was mere drops in a bucket, and worth it for my love’s happiness. “But for me to keep my bargain, you must do your part.”
“Which is…?”
“You don’t have to agree with Andy’s lifestyle, but you will respect him. You won’t say a word against him, and you’ll be pleasant when he visits. When you’re released, you will have dinner with him once a month, where you’ll be cordial to him. Treat him like a brother, and show him the same kindness he’s shown to you.”
Dalton glared at me, and I could almost see my conditions bouncing around his mind. I was sure he didn’t agree with my expectations, but the offer was too good to refuse. “I’ll do my best,” he answered curtly. It was the most I could expect from him, but I would always be around to make sure he held up his end.
Just then, there was a knock on the door, which the guard opened. Andy returned carrying a can of Coke in his hand. He gasped when he saw the shattered glass. “What happened? Is everyone okay?”
“Everyone is fine,” I smiled. “There was a defect in the glass.” I hated to lie, but I didn’t want to upset him by telling him the defect was my fist.
Andy nodded and took the empty seat next to me. I passed the phone to him and said with a warning glare to Dalton, “Your brother would like to talk to you again.” Andy pressed the phone to his ear and looked at his brother expectantly.
“So, um…” Dalton began. Pleasant conversation was obviously hard for him. “This is your boyfriend?” Andy nodded with a smile. “And, uh…he treats you good?”
“The best,” Andy replied, reaching over to put his hand on mine.
“Cool, cool.” There was a long stretch of silence before Dalton asked, “Do you love him?” There was something different about his voice when he spoke; it was curious and hopeful, almost as if he wondered if someone who had been through what they had could truly love and be loved.
Andy looked at me when he answered confidently, “I do.” He hadn’t yet told me the words, though I knew them to be true. But hearing them aloud was better than anything I could imagine.
“Good,” Dalton replied with a nod. “Just…be happy, okay?”
“I am,” Andy assured him. “I’m so happy, and I want you to be happy too.”
Dalton huffed another laugh. “Maybe one day.” His eyes flicked to mine before landing back onto his brother. “So, hey…maybe when I get out, we can have dinner together or something.” Well, I’ll be damned. It looked like the little creep was going to pull through after all. The answering smile on Andy’s face was worth every last penny I’d pay to Dalton.