CHAINS
thirty-two
Later that day, I’m anxiously waiting for Daisy, wondering how the talk with her father went. When I don’t hear from her for a couple of hours, I have a sinking feeling it didn’t go well.
At the knock at the door, tension releases from my body. She’s here. I propel myself from the couch to open it. Taking one look at Daisy’s distressed face, I hold my arms out to her and let her fall into my chest. I wrap my arms around her, resting my chin on her head as she sobs.
What the hell happened at her father’s house to cause her so much distress? Does he hate me so much, he’s cut her out of his life?
I stroke her hair as her crying trembles through her body, and I make soothing noises in the hopes that it helps settle her. Fuck, I hate seeing her this upset.
When the sobbing doesn’t subside, I pick her up and cradle her in my arms. Using my foot, I close the door behind us and walk to the couch, where I sit with her on my lap.
Kissing her temple, I say, “Daisy Chain, talk to me.” She’s freaking me out.
She pulls back, her face wet with tears.
But it’s the pain in her eyes that stabs through my heart. “You’re not leaving me,” I state.
Her eyes widen. “What? Why would you say that?” If she tried, she might as well rip out my heart and take it with her. I’ll have no need for it anymore.
“Because you’ve turned up here sobbing in my arms. I’m assuming you’ve spoken to your father, and he’s convinced you to change your mind.”
She sits up straighter and swipes her hands over her face. “I’m not leaving you. I’ll never leave you. You’re stuck with me. You better get used to it.” She gives me a small, wobbly smile.
I sag into the couch cushions. “I’m already used to it.” I’ve been alone all my life and was content. Now I can’t imagine a moment without Daisy. I thumb away a tear on her cheek. “What’s gotten you so upset?”
She sniffs. “When I went to talk to Dad, he wasn’t home.
While I waited, I decided to go through some of my mother’s things.
I had an urge to feel close to her. Anyway, I found her diary hidden in a secret compartment.
” She pauses for a moment. I rub soothing strokes up and down her thigh.
“Everything my father has told me about her is a lie.”
She goes on to tell me what she read. “Daisy, are you sure this is what you want?” I ask when she’s finished.
She swings her legs off me and rises. “Haven’t you been listening?
He lied to me. For years, every time I suggested I do something else with my life, he used ‘this is your mother’s wishes’ bullshit on me.
Guilted me into believing I’m doing her work.
How could he do that to me?” She splays her hand over her chest with a wounded expression on her face.
“He’s done dictating my life. I’ll work where I want and love who I want.
” She stands taller, and her words are fiery.
This is a lot better than the sobbing mess.
“Oh yeah? And who is it you love?”
She grins through her watery eyes. “He’s over six feet tall. Covered in tattoos and is a total badass.”
“He seems dangerous.”
“I’ve already been warned.”
“And you’re still going to pursue him?”
“He might look mean and scary on the outside, but he’s a soft, cuddly teddy bear on the inside.”
“Really? Sounds like a pussy.”
She giggles. I love the sound. I never want to hear her sob like that again.
The tears have dried up. Although her eyes still look sad, I know she’ll be alright. She has me in her corner. I’m never going to let her down. Taking her hand, I tug her back to me so she straddles my lap.
Cupping her face, I place a soft kiss on her lips. “What now?”
She sighs. “I’m not sure. I’ll start researching nursing schools and look for a job.”
“You can work at the club. Fuck, you don’t need to work. I’ll give you whatever you want.”
She smiles and rests her palms on my chest. “That’s sweet, but I have to do this on my own. I have enough savings to see me through for a while. And if I run out, I know I can come to you.”
“Don’t ever forget it. I’m yours, so whatever I have is yours.”
“See? There’s that soft, cuddly teddy bear.” She pokes my chest and gives a teasing grin.
“Oh yeah? Do I need to prove you wrong?”
“Yes, please.” She laughs.
I flip her onto her back on the couch and hover over her. She squeals with laughter and wraps her legs around my waist, locking me in.
I’m locked in for life.
And there’s no better feeling in the world.