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Freedom.

And I’ve never felt as free as I do with Brock. But at the same time, being with him has been fleeting. I don’t know what everyday life would be like. Then again, I don’t know what everyday life would be like anyway. My entire life had changed, and I’ve adapted. Maybe I’d just adapt.

Maybe it would feel free in the new world that he offers me.

I do know that living with my parents does not make me feel good, and right now, with the money I make at the café, even living rent-free, it’s going to take me years to be able to get my licensing and classes finished.

“What’s happening here?” my mother asks.

I detect a slur, but that can’t be possible, because no way in hell would she babysit while drinking… at least I would really hope not. I start to ask her if everything is okay when she stands and takes one swaying step toward me, then another.

I start to ask her if everything is okay when a deep, roaring voice speaks behind me, and it’s so loud, so rough, and so terrifying that it sends a chill of fear down my spine.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

HOUND

Blinking once, twice, three times, I hope to fuck this woman isn’t drunk, but as she sways with each step, appearing more and more off balance, I know that she must be. It’s just past fucking noon, and this fucking cunt is tanked. It’s not just that she’s tanked, but she’s watching my child.

Last night was one thing. They had a few cocktails in the evening, and Thea was asleep in her room. In the middle of the day is a completely different story. And in the lone care of my daughter.

I don’t expect her to be perfect. Fuck knows I’m not, but Thea is a newborn. An infant. She can’t take care of herself or protect herself in any way whatsoever. The anger that bubbles up throughout my entire body erupts from my throat before I can even attempt to control it.

“Are you fucking drunk?” I roar.

Keely’s mother stumbles backward a few steps, and I think she’s going to fall, but thankfully, the chair catches her. Because I’m not sure I’d help her if she did actually fall down right now. I might just leave her ass there.

“A cocktail with lunch is not drunk,” she blubbers.

I should feel bad that she’s crying, but I don’t. I couldn’t give a fuck less because she didn’t just have a cocktail. She had half a fucking bottle, judging by the way she’s speaking and was unable to walk.

“You had more than a cocktail,” Keely states. “I asked you not to drink if it was during the day and you were with Thea. Begged you, actually. I didn’t think it was too much to ask.”

I can hear the sadness in Keely’s voice, and I know exactly what needs to be done. I’m not waiting a week to collect them. They can’t stay here another day. I don’t really give a fuck about the circumstances. If we don’t work out, Keely and Thea can have my house. But they won’t live here.

Taking a step forward, then another, I put myself between Keely and her mother. Turning my head, I look back at my woman. My eyes find hers, and I dip my chin in a single nod. My gaze focuses on hers, and I hope to fuck that she can read the seriousness in my eyes.

“Pack up your and Thea’s shit. You’re not coming back here.”

Keely jerks her chin in a single nod, and I watch as she spins around and hurries up the stairs. Slowly, I face this fucking cunt in front of me. I’ve never been one to hurt women, especially one in her seventies, but I have a feeling this won’t be the first time I have to control a burst of anger at this woman.

“You fucked up,” I state.

“You have no idea,” she slurs. “I’m Mrs. Tysdal. You will not keep Thea, and Keely will see who you are.”

I cross my arms over my chest, tilting my head to the side, my focus never leaving her. Her lips part, her eyes are wide, and then she narrows them. But I don’t let her speak. Honestly, I don’t give much of a fuck what she thinks or who she is.

“I don’t give a fuck who and what you are. I know you’re a drunk who can’t stay sober long enough to take care of your newborn granddaughter.”

She lets out a bark of laughter, then leans forward. “That’s rich coming from someone like you.”

“Yeah, it is. But Thea is my baby, and she’s mine to protect. I can’t leave her with a drunk.”

She lifts her hand to her chest. If she had pearls there, I’m pretty sure she’d clutch them. I don’t give a fuck. Nothing about her makes me give a fuck what she thinks or says.

“But you can do that? You can protect them, and you’re a safe place?”