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She’d almost always known that her life had been a shitty, horrible nightmare. And yet, it’d never really occurred to her that people who weren’t imprisoned or abandoned as a baby could also have pain in their lives.
After all, Violet and Bronx had seemed so happy most of the time. And even after everything, all his confessions, they clearly still loved each other and had each other’s back.
Their affection had caused her loneliness to crush down on her, making it harder to breathe. That was when she’d backed into the vase and knocked it over.
Bronx taking care of her finger had helped to ease her embarrassment. Although after she admitted to hearing it all, she tried to read his expression. She’d told Bronx he needed to come clean with Violet to show his honesty, and he had, so she needed to be more honest now.
There was still pain, sadness, and even concern in his gaze. Before she could stop herself, she said, “One of many things I learned from my time inside the facility was this—you can’t save everyone. Sometimes you can help or maybe give them some food or alleviate a little pain. But sometimes, you can’t do anything. Either because of the person themselves or the ones around them.” She reached out with her uninjured hand and took Bronx’s. His strong, solid grip sent a rush of relief through her, as if she’d been yearning for his touch again.
Ignoring that, she continued, “Your late mate was her own person, it sounds like. And what she wanted the most in the world was a child of yours. I have a feeling nothing would’ve changed her mind. And maybe she knew you’d be a great father, even if she were gone, and that her child would have the life she never had growing up—one of love.”
He searched her eyes. “Maybe.”
She shrugged. “I never met her. However, I know something about having a goal, one that shapes who you are and affects all your decisions.”
Fuck.As soon as she said it, Percy knew it was a mistake.
“What’s yours?”
She was torn between bolting from the room and finally sharing something about herself.
In the end, she couldn’t yet bring herself to share her dragon with anyone, not even Bronx. So she gave him a half-truth. “Freedom.”
He stared at her, and she wondered if he could tell she was hiding something from him. But in the end, he squeezed her fingers and said, “If you want me to, I can ask Bram about you getting your own place soon, on Stonefire proper. If you’re monitored closely, regarding your dragon, it might just be possible. There are some cottages at the edges of the clan that should be safe for everyone and give you some space.”
Yet again, Bronx was trying to give her what she asked for and give her choices.
She desperately wanted to trust him, and yet she still couldn’t bring herself to do it. She’d been abused and used, and her cynicism and distrust might never go away.
That made her heart squeeze, and she wished she could be more “normal.” Maybe have a life where complaining about a boss, or not wanting to wash dishes, or worrying only about how a character would fare on a TV show were her biggest troubles.
But Percy doubted she’d ever have that kind of life.
Her voice cracked as she asked, “Why are you so nice to me?”
He raised a hand and brushed her cheek with the backs of his knuckles. She couldn’t hide her shiver. It wasn’t from fear, although the heat of her lower belly and her racing heart did scare her a little.
Because she might just actually want to share her body with this male, of her own choice, for the first time.
Thankfully Bronx spoke before she could run away to protect herself. “You deserve more than you were given, Percy. And if it’s up to me to prove to you that the world isn’t only full of monsters, I’ll gladly do it.”
“Oh.”
He lightly placed his finger under her chin and made her look into his warm eyes. “But there’s a selfish reason too.”
Was it her imagination or had he leaned in a little? Should she do the same?
But just as Percy swayed toward him, Violet appeared in the doorway. “Are you all right, Percy?”
She and Bronx split apart instantly, and Percy shot past Violet to stand in the hallway. “I’m fine. I’ll just make a sandwich and go to bed.”
Violet asked, “So you don’t want to watch telly with me tonight?”
Percy glanced at Bronx, and just one look made her skin warm and her belly flip.
Warning bells went off inside her head, and she inched back a little more. “Not tonight, Violet.” She looked at the teenager and saw a flash of disappointment.
Damn it, she didn’t want to hurt Violet, especially not after the truths Bronx had shared with his daughter. Despite her no-attachment rule, she said, “I’ll watch with you tomorrow, okay? You’ll just have to catch me up.”
