Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 69129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“Hence the buckets.” I tip my head in that direction. “However, before we finish turning you into a buffet for whatever creatures are nearby, you should know that Penny not having contact with you or her biological mother was her choice.” Sloppily flicking bones into the other bucket results in some pieces landing near her feet. “She wanted a fresh start. She wanted a second chance at life. She requested I not provide that information to anyone to guarantee she didn’t fall victim to the same shit she had for most of her life.”
“L-l-l-liar…”
“Like J.T. pointed out…why would I lie?” The indifferent shrug conjures tears into her eyes. “What do I have to gain? Your rightful anger this time?” A sarcastic scowl is presented. “The only reason I want you to know that your niece…your healthy, chocolate shop owning, recently married and had a child niece…wants nothing to do with you is because I want that to haunt you for what little time remains of your life.” I carelessly toss the cleaver down and creep to the edge of the couch. “Physical scars…physical pain…that’s easy to ignore. However, psychological,” malevolence freely flows through my glare, “the very thing you put my entire family through? There’s no escaping that.” Rising to my feet is followed by me reaching for the container that has pieces of her in it. “Enjoy knowing she will live a long and healthy and happier life without you in it.”
“We certainly will,” Bryn smugly declares.
“Men,” my chin tips to our guards, “continue carving. We’ve got buckets to fill before daybreak.”
“Yes, sir,” security echoes, igniting her sobbing and screaming to return.
Casually strolling along to the opposite end of the ship is done bloody palm to palm.
When we arrive, I shift the bucket from my possession into hers to give her the honor.
To allow her to be the first one to take back so much of what has been taken from her.
Bryn lovingly grins and presses her mouth warmly on top of mine.
It’s impossible not to spread her lips and even more impossible not to roll my tongue around in circles, wordlessly proclaiming everything it is I’m sure she needs to eventually hear. Cupping both her cheeks to pin her in place, to pin her to me, to this moment, to my undying pledge to care for her, for our family, for eternity becomes the only thing that matters.
And our family is the only thing that matters to me.
Not the money.
Not the wealth.
Not the cars.
Not the companies.
Not the charities.
Not even what I once considered my legacy.
No.
Loving and protecting all the parts of our family is the only legacy worth cultivating.
And that all starts as well as ends here.
With her.
***