Page 102 of Daddy's Little Survivor

She didn’t understand. Why did his boss have to give permission for him to let her know?

“Is it dangerous?” she softly asked.

He nodded his head, not looking at her but across the room. Moving her head, she looked over in that direction and saw a huge man standing at the entrance. He wore a short sleeve shirt that made his muscles pop and had a mean looking scar across his face.

Monroe turned back to her brother to see him nodding his head at the man.

“I have to go right now. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to text or call me,” he said. “It was nice seeing you again. Maybe we can do this again soon.”

“I would like that,” she replied. She wanted to get to know her brother better.

“Ricci crime family. Don’t look it up and don’t tell anyone,” he said, slipping out of the booth.

Before she could respond, Miles put some cash on the table and walked off. She watched as he walked away, out of the diner, and got into the car with the other guy.

* * *

“Daddy!”Monroe yelled as she ran toward him.

He was standing next to a green bike with a green helmet and protective gear beside it. Tears streamed down her face as she flung herself at him.

“Thank you!” she yelled, squeezing him.

He hugged her back and she quickly pulled away, excitement bubbling inside of her.

“Can you help me learn now? Can we go outside right now?” she asked, bouncing up and down.

Daddy chuckled and nodded his head. “You’ll follow what I say so you don’t get hurt, and you’re going to wear all this protective gear.”

She bit back her groan. She didn’t want to wear all that, but knew she wouldn’t be allowed to learn how to ride a bicycle if she didn’t have it on.

“Okay, Daddy,” she said. “Let’s go!”

Monroe grabbed the gear and ran toward the door.

“No running!” he yelled after her.

She slowed down and carefully made her way to the front door as Daddy was walking behind her with her bike.

They made their way outside and Daddy helped her get on all her gear.

“Now, I’m going to hold the seat while you pedal and steer. It’s just like riding with training wheels like we practiced last week but this requires a little more balance,” he said. “I’ll be right behind you the whole time in case you need my help.”

Monroe nodded her head, grinning from ear to ear. She couldn’t wait to do this.

“Hop onto your bike,” he said.

“You’ll hold it?” she whispered, looking at it.

It was different getting on this bike because it wasn’t already stable.

“I’ll hold it,” he replied.

Carefully getting on, she grabbed the handles and held on for dear life. So many nerves were running through her body.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes, Daddy,” she replied.

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