Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Alex had hoped to present her with the sweater, but she hadn’t been home and hadn’t been able to finish it until that morning.
“This is for you,” Alex said. “I know it’s super warm now, but when it’s cold, it’s for you.”
“Oh, Alex, you are a sweetheart.”
“I don’t like the thought of you being cold. You know. You need to keep warm, so that you and my dad can take care of each other.”
Millie was slightly older than her father. Alex had once thought the two might … hit it off, but she had later learned after trying to get the two together that they saw each other more like brother and sister than as lovers. She’d asked Millie in private many years ago if she loved her father.
“Of course, I love your father, but not like that, Alex. I’m not hiding anything, but he is a great man, just not a man I would want to be a love interest.”
She’d been so gutted, but the three of them had made a good family. Alex had so many fond memories of Christmas, New Years, birthdays, and just about every celebration she could think of.
The older woman pulled her into her arms and hugged her tight. “I love you, sweetheart,” Millie said.
Alex wrapped her arms around her and closed her eyes. “It’s just a sweater.”
“I know, but I also know you, honey. You cared enough to think about me.”
“Always.”
“And that is what makes you special. Your dad is so very proud of you, you know?”
“Will he be all right?” she asked.
Having breakfast with her father was a nice refreshing change, rather than eating alone in a sterile environment.
He hadn’t been able to stay and chat though, making his excuses and leaving for business reasons.
“You know your father, Alex.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I do.” She sighed.
“Let’s not frown. Stuart wouldn’t want to see you frown. I’ve got brownies and cupcakes loaded in the van. I’ve also got a ton of ice cream scheduled to be delivered in about twenty minutes,” Millie said. “Time to go.”
Alex grabbed the sweater she’d made and wrapped in some wrapping paper. She left the sewing room, pulling the door closed as she followed Millie toward the front door, only to come to a stop when she saw who was blocking their exit.
Roman and his buddies.
She had no idea what they were doing here. “Please, move,” Alex said.
“You’re not going out there alone.” Roman looked toward Millie. “Can’t you go alone?”
“No!” Alex snapped out the word. “She’s not going alone. I already talked to my dad today, and he said he didn’t see a reason why I shouldn’t.”
Roman held up his hand, attempting to silence her and pressing some buttons on his cell phone.
She heard ringing, and then the sound of her father’s voice.
“What do you want, Roman?” Liam asked.
“Alex is under the impression she can go to the orphanage.”
“That is correct. I gave her my permission earlier. Enjoy, Alex.”
She smiled.
“Liam, have you lost your fucking mind?”
Millie tensed at her side.
“I agreed to let my daughter go because I had her husband and three of his closest friends, who, according to my records, have the ability to protect her. Not to mention if you four dipshits fail, I know I can count on Millie, isn’t that right?”
“Yes, Sir.” Millie puffed out her chest, and Alex wrapped her arms around the older woman, giving her a squeeze.
“Are we done here, Roman? Unlike you, I like my daughter to thrive, to have a life, and to show my fucking enemies that I’m not afraid.”
She saw a tic in Roman’s jaw as he clenched his teeth. Liam had just embarrassed him. The call ended abruptly, and he looked up. She saw the anger in his eyes.
“I do not like this.”
“I’m going to go see Stuart. I trust that you will all keep us safe. Besides, last night, we dealt with two of the enemy’s men. I doubt they would try to attack so soon.” Stepping past them, Millie by her side, she walked out to the waiting van.
As she suspected, Antonio, Marlo, and Cash took the three seats up front, leaving her, Millie, and Roman to sit in the backseat.
“You know this is reckless,” Roman said.
“Would you have us all staying at home and waiting for the enemy to get bored? Is that it?” Millie asked.
“Her life is in danger.”
“Alex’s life has been in danger her whole life. Being your wife doesn’t change that.”
“It makes her more of a target.”
“And yet, from where I sit, it makes her more protected. There are five people here to make sure she is safe. Do you have so little confidence in your men?” Millie asked.
Alex winced at the jibe. It wasn’t a nice one.
“Stop fighting,” Alex said. “I only want to see Stuart and the rest of the kids. I love them all.”