Page 51 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

Ivy:

Me:

Me: I need 2 go make dinner

Me: See ya tomorrow

Ivy: Later chica

* * *

“Hi sweet pea. What’s for dinner?” Dad asks as he walks into the kitchen pushing his sleeves up to help me. “What can I do?”

“Roasted chicken and veggies.” I point at the squash and brussel sprouts. “Clean and season those.”

“On it. How was school?”

“Good. I think I’m finally getting used to the pace of academics here. Everything definitely moves quicker.”

“That’s good. How about the other kids? Are they welcoming?”

“Some are,” I shrug with my half truth. “Ivy is becoming a good friend.”

“What about Connor?”

“What about him?”

“He mentioned something about giving you a hard time but changing his mind.” He tosses the veggies on a sheet pan.

“Yeah, he’s a dick but he’s trying to be better. Honestly, anything these kids throw at me I can handle. Don’t forget what I dealt with in Chicago.”

“I know you can handle yourself. I just want you to be careful and I’d feel better knowing you had support. Z isn’t here to have your back so I worry about you on your own.”

“I’m fine, dad.” I reach over and hug him. “I promise.”

“I like Connor. I hope he was telling me the truth today. I’d hate to have to kick his ass.”

“I’d buy those tickets though.” I laugh. “You’ll get to know him better this week. Although, he hates his dad so you probably won’t see the decent side of him.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed that. Do you know why?”

“He said it’s because his dad cheated on his mom and that’s why she took off with his sister for Ireland. I don’t know how great his mom can be though, when she didn’t even call him on his birthday last weekend.”

With the mention of the word ‘mom’ we both go silent. I know we’re both thinking about my mom. I don’t think dad will ever forgive her for bailing on us. He had to retire from the Marines before he was ready to come home and take care of me full time. I know he wouldn’t change being there for me for anything but he’s also been lonely. I know it hasn’t been easy for him to raise me on his own, even with me being a generally good kid.

“How’s work going?” I ask to bring us both out of our little funk.

“It’s going well. I hired a group of guys for security here and I’m getting new security equipment delivered at the end of the week. Hopefully the full system will up and running by the end of next week. We don’t keep secrets from each other, right kiddo?”

“No.”

Except that I was almost sexually assaulted at my school but other than that no.

“Okay, well, this job is a bit more dangerous than I originally thought. Victor and Connor are receiving death threats. As I’m currently running personal security for Victor on top of being their chief security officer, I have to put myself in dangerous situations. I’m armed and wear kevlar under my suit but there’s always the chance that something happens to me.”

“Okay,” I lock my emotions up tight. “Why are you telling me all this?”

“Just because you need to know. You live here on their property and you spend time with Connor. I want you to stay vigilant.”

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