Page 87 of Cocky Jerk

“You helped my dad get the deal.”

Drawing out a sigh, I cover her hand with mine.

“I tried to tell you,” I start, pausing to intertwine our fingers. Bringing our joined hands to my lips, I brush a kiss across her knuckles. “Antonia, I didn’t know what was going to happen yesterday. The sergeant in charge needed extra hands, and he ordered me and my partner to change into our street clothes. We weren’t even briefed until we were pulling into the compound and as soon as I realized what we were doing, I tried to get out of it. I explained that all to your father, and I also explained that I love you. I realized it when I was standing in front of your father, asking him to lower his weapon. I had the sergeant in my ear, giving me permission to shoot, but I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t do it. Faced with a choice, my job, or you, I choose you. I know it didn’t look that way when you saw me taking your father out of there with cuffs, but I swear—”

She cuts me off.

“I believe you,” she whispers, her eyes full of tears. “I’m sorry for all the things I said and for punching you.”

“Nice right hook,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood. It works because she gives me a small smile. But it quickly fades, and her expression grows serious.

“What happens now?”

If there was ever a loaded question, I’m pretty sure that’s it.

“Well, for starters, we’re going to get showered and dressed and get our asses down to the courthouse because your father is going in front of the judge in an hour. Before they take him to Rykers, you’re going to talk to him and I’m going to be right by your side.”

The dam breaks and the tears fall as I continue.

“Then we’re going to come home and I’m going to take care of you. We’ll take it one day at a time. No more doubts. No running from one another. Lean on me, Antonia, give me your trust and let me love you because it’s all I want to do.”

Today, tomorrow, every fucking day until I die.

I just want to love her.

* * *

“You have five minutes,”Antonia’s mom says, her eyes darting between Tank and their daughter. She steps away, giving them their privacy, but I don’t follow her lead. I promised I’d be by Antonia’s side and unless she tells me otherwise, that’s where I’ll remain.

“So, this is it,” Antonia whispers as she stares at her father.

“For now,” he says hoarsely. “We don’t have much time so I’m going to cut straight to chase. I don’t want you to be sad, Tonia. I don’t want you to spend these next five years crying over me. I’ll be fine, especially knowing you’re out here living the life you want.” He pauses to swallow and looks down at his shackled hands. “I shouldn’t have given you crap about that job of yours and I shouldn’t have doubted your judgment,” he says as he lifts his head and looks at me. “I was wrong.”

He turns back to Antonia.

“Of all the men—”

“I know, I know,” she whispers. “He’s a cop.”

“Of all the men, you found the one worthy,” he says. His gaze slices back to me. “Don’t make me eat my words, officer.”

“I won’t,” I rasp. “You have my word.”

He nods and focuses his attention back to his daughter.

“I love you, sweetheart. More than anything in this world.” His voice cracks, and his eyes fill with water. “Never forget that.”

Antonia lets go of my hand and rushes toward Tank, throwing her arms around his neck. As she hugs him his wrists strain against the metal digging into his flesh. I turn to the bailiff. Pulling my badge from under my shirt, I flash it at him.

“He’s not a flight risk, undo the cuffs.”

“Officer—”

“Let the man hug his daughter,” I grind out, clenching my jaw tight.

He mumbles something under his breath and moves to Tank. Antonia pulls away from her father and turns around, her eyes questioning mine. I tip my chin and she diverts her attention to the bailiff, watching as he removes the cuffs from her father’s wrists. Tank closes the distance between them, but instead of hugging, he lifts his hands to her face and traces every angle.

He brings her face closer and presses his lips to her forehead. The tears he was holding fall freely as he wraps his arms around her.

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