Page 107 of Branded Hearts

That’s all I need to hear. I won’t press her further; I respect her privacy and request.

“Seriously, though, you deserve it. I can only assume your work is fucking mint if they’ve accepted you in.”

Her eyes light up, and she leans in to kiss me softly. “Thank you, Bradley. It means a lot to me.”

“When do you need to be there?” I ask.

“June, sometime. I’ll head down and stay with my sister while I’m there. They said I could invite whoever I wanted, so…” Her words trail off as she twists her lips.

I can read between the lines. “I’ll be there if you want me there.”

She beams. “Of course I’d want you there.”

“What about your parents? Are they coming?”

She shakes her head. “They’ve never been fans of flying, so most likely not. But it’s okay, I’ll have Kat, John, and Millie.Andyou, if you come. I know you have work.”

“I’ll be there,” I promise.

With that, we settle back into the couch, the warmth of the blanket and the comfort of each other’s company making everything feel just right. I can’t help but think how perfect this moment is. Stress just melts away when I’m with her, and everything else fades into the background.

It’s moments like these that make me realise how lucky I am to have someone in my life to ground me during these weird times. The other day, I’d been off, dry as shit, just in a foul mood.

Daniels is used to my moods by now, but the other boys, not so much. Some of the young prospects take it too seriously. I feel bad looking back at it. But fuck, it’shard.

To get out of your head sometimes, you know?

I glance over at Amelia, nestled against me, her attention half on the TV and half on our quiet conversation. Lately, she’s been my anchor, pulling me out of my head when the darkness creeps in. I never thought I’d find someone who could see past the roughexterior, who could handle my moods and still want to be around.

I think about how I snapped at one of the new recruits just the other day. Kid looked like a deer in headlights. I regretted it the moment it happened, but sometimes, the weight of everything just gets to you. The pressure, the expectations, the constant need to perform—it’s exhausting.

But then there’s Amelia. She doesn’t expect anything from me other than to be myself. And somehow, that’s enough for her. It’s more than enough for me.

I hold her a little tighter, grateful for this moment, this quiet evening on the couch. The TV hums softly in the background. Amelia sighs contentedly, snuggling closer, and I smile to myself.

Content.

That’s what this is—and for now, it’s all I need.

36

Sweet Love - Myles Smith

It’s beena couple of days, and things have lightened up a bit. I’m walking with a bit of a spring in my step, though I try not to make it too obvious, or the boys might have a field day.

This week at work has been easy—not many tough gigs, just the usual public disturbances and a bit more vandalism around town. I even did a couple of shifts on highway patrol, catching more than a few reckless teenagers speeding along the A16 and the joining highways.

Amelia has come by a few times to see Liv, and I couldn’t help but pull her aside when no one was watching to kiss her. I’ve been missing her mouth since that night. Any chance I get when she’s over, I take it. This whole sneaking around makes it all worthwhile. It’s the most excitement I’ve had around here in a while. Amelia’s asked more than once if we could take things further, but I don’t want to rush into it. Just because she’s had her first taste of anything sexual doesn’t mean we should jump straight into having sex. It’s a big thing, and I want it to be special for her. She rolls her eyes every time, completely disagreeing, but deep down, I know she gets it.

I want to make sure everything feels right for her. Amelia deserves the best, and I have every intention of giving her that. It’s two forty-eight in the afternoon when Reynolds strolls over to my desk.

“Mitchell, you free this Friday night?” he asks, his tone casual but his eyes keen. I glance up, curiosity piqued.

“Depends. Why?”

“Well, Rose and I were thinking about grabbing dinner and were wondering if…” he lowers his voice, “you and your...missuswanted to join us?”

I raise an eyebrow, looking around to make sure no one else is listening. Ever since my mood picked up, Reynolds, with his usual observant self, has been pestering me about it. He had a ‘gut feeling’ it had to do with a woman. I reluctantly told him about seeing Amelia, and he’d sworn to keep it to himself. So, I’m not surprised he’s asking now. His use of the word ‘missus’ sets off a flurry of conflicting emotions in my mind. That territorial voice in my head screams,mine, mine, mine.

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