Page 111 of Love Me Again

I watchShayla as she walks out of the doors to the prison ahead of Josh and me. “I’m so fucking proud of her,” I tell Josh with a sigh, who smiles, nodding.

“Me too. She’s a warrior,” Josh squeezes my shoulder, and I look at him appreciatively.

“I don’t know how I'm ever going to thank you, Josh. You’ve helped me with her so much the last couple of months. If it weren’t for you, she’d still be a wreck.”

Josh shakes his head. “I didn’t do anything, Cole. I just pushed her into facing her fears. She did the rest. You know I’ve always got your back, brother.”

“I know, and I’ve always got yours, brother.” We share a smile and fist bump as we walk over to Shayla. “One last stop. I don’t know how I'm going to face that bitch and not want to kill her for everything she’s done.”

“Shay’s got her bro, leave her to it,” Josh mutters as we walk outside. Shayla had her gaze up at the sky, and she released a long breath, her shoulders which were tense before was more relaxed now.

“You okay?” I ask, taking hold of her shoulders, and she looks at me and nods.

“Yeah. I’m good. Facing them again brought up so much for me, and I wanted to turn and run the moment I walked in, but that’s exactly what they want. They want me to be scared and weak because that’s what makes them feel powerful, like they have control over me, like in some twisted way their victims belong to them.” I explain, shaking my head. “I would rather die than give them the satisfaction of thinking they’ve broken me. They haven’t, and they won’t. That was enough to put out that rage I had burning inside of me.” I kiss her forehead, rubbing her arms.

“You’re damn right they have no control over you,” I proclaim and cup her face with my hands. “I’m so proud of you, baby. You walked in there with your head held high when most would have crumbled. Your strength and courage are astounding, honey, and I can’t wait to watch you raise our beautiful daughter to be just as strong and brave as you are.” I declare, brushing my fingers through her hair while she gazes into my eyes.

“Oh, you guys are giving me all the feels over here,” Josh mutters, pretending to sob. I throw my head back and laugh. “Someone cue the sappy music!”

“Fuck off, arsehole.” Josh laughs and runs off when I chase him toward the car. Shayla laughs, watching while I chase Josh around the vehicle. “Don’t make me leave your arse here, you little shit. Get in the fucking car.” I chuckle while Josh keeps mocking me for my speech.

“Oh man, that sounded like something you would hear at the end of a cheesy rom-com movie.” Josh continues to laugh heartily, holding his stomach in the back seat. I lean over and punch his leg hard, and he groans. “Ow, you fucker.” He grumbles while rubbing his leg with a scowl.

“You two are impossible.” Shayla laughs, getting into the passenger side, and watches us bicker amusedly.

“You ready for the next stop?” Josh asks, sobering up from his laughter, leaning forward, and Shayla nods, looking at me.

“Oh, you better believe it.”

“Bro, don’t you think Shayla looks like one of the Power puff girls?” Josh chuckles, and Shayla whips her head and looks at him with a scowl.

I laugh and look at Shayla, who was glaring at Josh. “Yes! The one with the big green eyes. What was her name?”

Josh cracks up laughing when Shayla reaches over, smacking him. “Buttercup!” He chirps, and Shayla pinches his thigh. “Ahhhh, fuck!” Josh howls, slapping her hand away.

“I do not!”

“You really do, baby.” I laugh, and she turns her glare to me. “Come to think of it. Aimee is bubbles with her blonde hair and blue eyes. Jo is Blossom with her brown hair and brown eyes, and you, my love, are Buttercup. You three are the power puff girls!”

“Yes! Oh my god, it makes perfect sense. Sugar, spice, and everything nice.” Shayla leans over and hits Josh, who cackles.

“Will you shut up! I’m more concerned about the fact that you both know so much about the power puff girls.” Shayla points out, and I grin at her while she pins me with a pointed look.

“Who’s got the power?!” I sing.

“We got the power!” Josh sings back, and Shayla couldn’t hold in her laughter anymore.

“Ohh yeah!” We both shout together, singing the theme song. Shayla shakes her head, rolling her eyes while grinning.

“You’re both idiots,” She mutters, crossing her arms over her chest and looks out the window sulking.

“Oh, my Buttercup.” I coo, reaching over and squeeze her chin. Shayla slaps my hand away and glowers at me.

“Cole, I swear to God.” I laugh, amused, and poke her a little.

“I love you, Buttercup,” I mumble, leaning closer to kiss her once we stop at the traffic lights, but she flicks my forehead, and I jump back. “Ouch!” I scowl, and she smirks.

“Bite me.”

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