Page 25 of Hope in his Darkness
Chapter Eighteen
Hope
“Are you okay? Did youget hurt?” I look him over for any injuries. My dad is a drunk, but he’s a mean drunk.
“I’m fine, we didn’t even make it to your dad’s before Cole talked me into taking a different angle. Now that I think about it, he manipulated me really fucking good. Sonofabitch!” Brody’s face goes from one of disappointment to shock to outright anger at his older brother. I guess Cole knew how to handle Brody after all. Whatever magic juju Cole used I’m grateful for.
I can’t stand my dad, but I don’t want him beaten up by the man I love. Woah did I just say the L-word? It’s too soon to think I’m in love with this guy. I’ve known him a grand total of twenty-four hours tops. The more I think about it though it’s there, like right under the surface. This feeling of completeness and belonging I’ve had since we met is overwhelming but just right at the same time. I’m so fucked.
“If you didn’t make it to my dad’s where did you go? Did you just drive around until he talked you down?” I’m picturing Cole calmly explaining to Brody why going after my dad was a bad idea, but something tells me that’s not exactly how it went down.
“Yeah, we drove around until Cole talked me out of it.” He gives me this super fake smile that says that’s not what happened at all. Crossing my arms over my chest, I stand there tapping my foot, waiting for him to tell me the truth.
“Nice try, now tell me what really happened,” I say cocking my head to the side and giving him my best, I don’t approve of whatever it is you just did. He drops his head smirking and kicking at the gravel in the driveway.
“Do you really want to know or would you rather be surprised when it happens? Think of it like a present you just have to wait to open. Don’t you like surprises?” He wraps his arms around my waist pulling into his body and I can’t help the sigh that escapes my lips. Being in his arms is so warm and comforting I don’t want to ever leave their sanctuary.
“Stop dodging the question mister and spill. If you didn’t see my dad then what did you do while you were gone. I was worried, my dad is a mean drunk, anything could have happened to you or Cole.” Both men look at each other and snigger. Just thinking about the fact that my dad keeps a pump shotgun sitting by his chair gives me the shivers. What if he'd shot Brody or Cole?
“First of all one mean drunk is nothing against two mean gorillas. Second Cole came up with a better plan of action, even if he did it in a sneaky fucking way. Third, has he ever laid hands on you? Because if he has that’s a whole new course of action about to take place.” No way am I telling him about the time dad smacked me across the face so hard I had to stay home from school until the bruising went down. If he says Cole has a plan that doesn’t involve either of them then it’s going to stay that way.
“What plan did Cole come up with and why do I get the feeling it’s worse than the two of you going after him?” He raises one eyebrow telling me without words that he’s not going to let the question go, but he answers my question first.
“Don’t worry it doesn’t involve Cole or myself. Your dad will get what he deserves and you will be safely tucked away right here by my side. By the way, why didn’t you tell me you lived in that hellhole? I don’t want you going back there alone either. If you need anything from your old place, Dad, Cole, or I will go with you to pick it up. I don’t want you alone with your dad or in that place.” I feel judged suddenly for living in a trailer park. Sure the place is a hellhole, used needles lying around half the time where anyone could step on them. But hearing Brody called it a hellhole makes me feel dirty somehow, or not good enough for him.
“That’s where I grew up, that’s what made me who I am. Living there made me want to work for a better life and I have been. Don’t judge me for that.” I’m hurt that he thinks so little of where I came from like it’s a reflection of how he feels about me. Maybe that is how he feels about me now.
“I’m not judging you, baby, I’m worried for your safety if you go back. You’ve done so good getting your education and striving for better, but that place is downright scary. I’d feel better if one of us went with you if you ever have to go back, but you never have to go back if you don’t want to. Your home is here with us, with me, if you want it.” I squeeze my eyes shut to keep the tears forming behind my lids from falling. How does he know exactly what to say to me?
“That’s probably the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I already feel like I’m home when I’m in your arms. How have you become so important to me in such a short amount of time?” His lips touch mine and I’m lost in the feel of him against me. The rush I get from just his lips touching mine is enough to send me into outer space. Some invisible thread joined together on a cosmic level that I will probably never understand, binds us. Nor am I ready to question it. It just is and I accept that completely.
“It’s because I’m just so darn cute you can’t resist me and my hot boy body that you keep ogling.” He grins down at me, his eyes shining with mischief. This is what I want to wake up next to for the rest of my life.
“So does this mean you’re willing to do the bitey bite thing to me?” I smile at him. I’ve never felt this happy or content in my entire life. Whatever voodoo magic is going on I’ll take it and run.
“Oh, I’m gonna do more than bitey bite you baby, I’m going to make you feel me for weeks when I’m done with you.” I’m gaping at him as I’m hoisted over his shoulder, and he runs toward the house. From my angle, I can see his back and ass muscles flex and move with each stride he takes. Okay, maybe he has a point with the whole his hot boy body has me ogling him. I can’t even deny it now. Just as we get to the door, Cole steps out.
“I don’t want to be hearing your sex noises so I’m headed to the bar early. Pops said he’ll be in late tonight. Said something about finding someone stranded on the side of the road and he was helping them out. That’s Dad for you always helping the helpless.” My face turns probably six shades of red knowing that Cole knew exactly what we were planning to do.
“Did he say if he needs any help?” Brody asks over his shoulder as Cole strides down the front porch. I lift my head to see Cole shrug his shoulders.
“He didn’t say, just said he’d arrive late at the bar tonight. I’m going to open the bar. You two love birds, enjoy the next few hours. I’ll be slaving away at the bar while you get to do the humpty hump.” He’s smiling as he pretends to sniffle.
“Most annoying brother award goes to you jackass.” Brody smacks me on my ass, I yelp, and Cole laughs while getting in his truck. Brody carries me up the stairs and flings me unceremoniously onto his bed. Before I can say anything, he’s practically ripping my clothes off followed by his own.
