Page 7 of Fight for Me
Sean and Jacob both laugh. “The better brothers, at least.”
We all laugh, and they both wrap an arm around me, tucking me into their protective embrace. I’d forgotten how much I loved them all. Each one always made sure no one hurt me. They were loyal and adopted me as a sister they never had.
When my father ran out on us, it was these guys who took up the role of protector.
“You came back!” Hadley rushes forward, a big smile on her face.
“Of course I did! I just needed to get your present.”
“Did you know that Uncle Declan promised to get me apony?” She screams the last word with eyes bright.
I want to say a biting remark about the man not honoring promises, but I don’t. Hadley doesn’t deserve it, and my opinion is shrouded in years of bitterness. Plus, if I’m going to keep up the fake boyfriend bullshit, I need to appear like I don’t care.
“That’s wonderful. I hope it’s areallyexpensive one. You should ask him for two. Horses want a friend.”
She giggles. “I hope it’s white and has long hair and loves to go for rides and maybe can fit in my tree house!”
Connor comes up from behind her and rests a hand on her shoulder. “We’re going to talk about the pony.”
Hadley looks up at him from over her shoulder, lip jutted out while batting her eyelashes. “But, Daddy, I really want it.”
Oh, he’s so fucked, and she called him daddy.
Tears fill my eyes. “Give her the damn pony, Connor.”
He smiles at me. We both know he’s never going to deny her a thing.
Then Ellie comes out of the kitchen holding the cake. “No pony. Not now, at least.”
He winks at Hadley.
“Okay, Mommy. Notnow.” The girl knows what she’s doing.
“Can I help with anything?” I ask loudly, making my way to Ellie. I need to keep moving and avoid him like the plague.
Ellie shakes her head. “An hour ago, sure, but now, we’re good.”
I glare at her as she smirks.
“Is your boyfriend coming, Syd?” Declan’s voice causes my stomach to drop.
Connor and Ellie look to me, and I shake my head with a soft smile. “No, he’s working today.”
Ellie watches me, eyes saying what her voice doesn’t:We’re so going to talk about this.
However, my favorite kid who ever lived jumps up when she sees the cake. “Time for cake!”
And I’m saved from having to expand on my stupid lie.
Chapter Three
Sydney
“Stupid girl!” I grab another handful of wildflowers and throw them into the pond. “Stupid heart. Stupid, stupid, stupid!”
I knew that party would be hard, but I didn’t think it would almost kill me.
The entire time, I tried to avoid his gaze. I talked to everyone but him, and now, I’m so frustrated and keyed up that I can’t sleep, which brought me back to this place.
