Page 81 of Branded Hearts

“Mhm,” Daniels says, moving even closer to Reynolds and giving him a once-over. Well… this is playing out a lot differently than I thought it would. Is this his attempt at picking up a chick? If it is, then Reynolds is completely oblivious.

“You must have a good ear for languages, then,” Daniels continues, nodding slowly, with a cocky smirk on his face. He looks like the biggest tool right now. In a room full of grown men.

“Nah, not really. My wife is—” Reynolds starts, but his voice trails off as he begins realising what’s happening. Now, I can understand how this would play out differently if Reynolds were a female. I can see this working.

Stokes interrupts with a drawn-out wolf whistle, followed by Woody’s unexpected compliment, “Fuck, I’m going to regret saying this, but that kinda... turned me on, a little.”

The laughter that ensues, coupled with Woody’s embarrassed blush, adds to the amusement of the scene, and I can’t help but smirk behind my computer screen.

“All good, brother. I know I’m good,” Daniels says with a wink.

“How did you even do that?” Reynolds asks, shock evident on his face.

“It’s a talent, mate. Gets all the ladies,” Daniels says, slapping his chest. “I’ll teach you a few things.”

I shake my head. Such acockyprick.

“I’m married, you dickhead. I don’t think Ineedit,” Reynolds exclaims, and Daniels’ eyes go wide.

“So fucking what? Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you can’t keep your woman on her toes.” And begrudgingly, I have to admit, the fucker has a point.

“Hey, you even got Bradley smiling,” Stokes says, pointing at me.

“No way. Fuck off,” Daniels interjects, looking over at me. I immediately wipe the smile off my face, trying to maintain a neutral expression.

“Did I make big ol’ Bradley Bear smile?” Daniels says, attempting a baby voice that is more cringe than cute.

“Piss off, cunt,” I reply, trying to sound annoyed, but failing as a chuckle escapes me.

Daniels grins triumphantly, clearly pleased with himself for breaking through my facade of indifference. Little do they know, it has nothing to do with them. Seeing Daniels spark up his pickup lines had me thinking of Amelia.

Reynolds adds in, “You know, I think I caught a smirk on his face earlier, too. Either Bradley is in a somewhat better mood today, or my eyes are deceiving me.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s the latter, trust me.”

As much as I appreciate my mates’ attempts to analyse my mood, they’re missing the mark. The truth is, my improved spirits have everything to do with Amelia. Lately, thoughts of her have been a constant presence in my mind, her smile and laughter playing on a loop in my thoughts. I find myself looking forward to seeing her, aspathetic as that may seem.

It’s a feeling I can’t quite explain, but one thing’s for sure—it has nothing to do with my mates.

I pull up outside my house and turn off the ignition, exhaling slowly. As I step inside, Liv is lounging on the couch, her AirPods in, lost in her own world. I drop my keys on the table by the door. The aroma of a chicken roast and vegetables wafts through the air, letting me know Mum is busy in the kitchen.

Fuck, if I thought I was hungry earlier, I’m starving now.

Dad sits at the dining table, meticulously cleaning his shotgun rifle with a microfibre rag—a routine that is both familiar and calming. I walk up to Mum and kiss her on the cheek. She startles, nearly dropping the wooden spoon she’s holding.

“Jesus, Bradley. You gave me a bloody fright!” she exclaims.

“Sorry, Ma.” She turns to look at the clock just above the window overlooking the side of our property.

“You’re home early today.”

“Yeah, got everything I needed done early. The big boss said I could clock off sooner.” She shoots me a weird look.

“What?”

“Nothing. You’re unusually chipper this arvo.”

“Just hungry. Excited for dinner.”

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