Brick Brick (Knights Corruption MC - Next Generation, #4) - S. Nelson Page 0,5
Her grin never wavered, the sparkle in her eyes telling me she wanted to delve into a different topic but restrained.
When I first visited California to see my dad, he’d already been seeing Braylen. I’d talked to her on the phone a few times but didn’t know what to think of her. Then I met her, and instantly fell in love with the woman. She was kind, funny, and didn’t take any crap from my dad. The added bonus was that she was a hairstylist, having helped me to learn how to deal with my red mess of unruly hair. With her techniques, I was able to quickly master how to tame the thick tresses into sleekness. We’d become fast friends and I respected and loved her like a true second mother.
“I’m just preparing myself is all.” My eyes traveled over her, taking her all in. She was dressed in a cream T-shirt dress, looking comfortable yet stylish. Her hair was pulled off her face in a messy bun, her beautiful features even more prominent with the effortless style. She glowed, her belly growing every time I saw her. I’d keep that thought to myself, however, because no woman wanted to hear how big they’re getting, even though it’s for a good reason. “You look good. Pregnancy certainly agrees with you.”
“Thanks. It’s a good day so far. No sickness.” She knocked twice on the wood post of the railing, her brown eyes shimmering. “Now get in here before your dad tries to get off the couch and come get you himself.” Her smile tilted, her worry for her husband cascading over her beautiful face.
“Okay, but if he starts in again about Brick, I can’t promise how long I’ll stay.” I followed her inside, linking my arm around hers as we strolled further into the house.
“Give him a break, honey. He’s just lookin’ out for his baby girl. You know how he is.”
“I know, but I’m not little anymore. I’m a grown woman.” My exasperation escaped even though I tried to hold it at bay.
“Not to him you’re not. You’ll understand when you have kids of your own.”
“Yeah, not gonna happen. Never. Kids are not in the cards for me.” Braylen leaned back and kissed my cheek before patting my hand.
“Never say never.” She laughed at the face I made, my obvious displeasure with the topic clear as day. “Now, go see him.” She gently shoved me toward the living room before turning and walking down the hall.
Standing outside the room, I heard Stone talking to my dad, their tones dipping every couple of seconds. It didn’t take a genius to know they were discussing club stuff. While I wanted whoever shot him, Brick, Ace, and their new prospect to pay dearly, I wouldn’t ask any questions about it because they wouldn’t tell me. I’d already tried with no success.
The ache in my chest swirled around in anticipation for what I was gonna see as soon as I walked in. The last time I’d been here, Dad could barely lift his head off the pillow. His voice had worked just fine, however, unleashing his opinion about me helping Brick.
After counting to ten twice, I entered the room, my eyes zeroing in on my dad.
Stone saw me first. “I told you she didn’t run off,” he joked, rising from the couch. His stare morphed from jovial to serious in the matter of seconds as he approached, and when he was close, he bent slightly to whisper into my ear, “Take it easy on him if he starts in about the big guy. He looks better than he did yesterday but he’s still not out of the woods entirely. He shouldn’t get upset.”
What I wanted to say was “then he shouldn’t be so damn stubborn,” but I kept my comments to myself because they wouldn’t do anyone any good.
Stone disappeared, leaving me alone with my ol’ man.
“Hi, Dad. How are you feeling?” I strode toward him with a smile on my face and a promise not to rile him up during our visit.
Stone was right. Although he appeared better than the last time I laid eyes on him, he looked pale and somewhat defeated. His dark hair was messed, and he was in dire need of a good shave. And I had no doubt he was in pain, the evidence coming in the form of a grimace and flared nostrils when he shifted his weight on the couch to get into another position.