Bad Behavior

BULLSEYE

Loretta and Saul made their way down to the cell the next morning. Sophie looked so small cuddled up in a tiny ball with her fists positioned under her chin. Her blanket had fallen onto the floor and her fiery red hair was flowing around her, covering her sweet face.

"Open it,"Loretta told Saul, quietly.

Once inside, Saul knelt down next to the cot and stroked Sophie's knuckles.

"Sparky?"He whispered to her as Loretta stood back and watched her son. Neither Alexander nor Saul wanted to admit how much alike they were, but if Saul had known his father when the elder DeMarco was 19, he'd be stunned.

Sophie roused shifting in the cot. Saul moved her hair out of her face and smiled.

"There you are,"She said, stretching.

"Here I am,"Saul leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, "Do you think you can make it to school?"

Sophie nodded, "I want to graduate on time."

Saul was scared for her, but even without him being her warden at school, he wasn't about to let anything happen to her if he could help it.

"Come on, let's get you ready and get some grub!"Saul lifted her up and tried carrying her out, but Loretta shook her head.

"The boys are home."

Sal and Micah were working around the house that day, vetting some possible soldiers for the family.

Sophie looked at Saul who couldn't look any more aggravated if he tried.

"It's OK,"Sophie smiled.

Saul reluctantly put her down, grabbing her elbow like the good little ward that he was.

"I have breakfast ready and I don't want you to argue with me about eating, Miss Swann,"Loretta told her, "I want you to keep your energy up—not die on me." Her tone was menacing, but Sophie realized that they were passing a multitude of guards and soldiers on the way to Saul's room.

"Yes, ma'am,"Sophie played along.

Saul scowled the entire time. He tried to pretend like he hated touching her, but it was so hard to do. Even her scent made him want to devour Sophie right there in the hallway.

Back in Saul's room, Loretta allowed them to go in together on their own.

"I hate this,"Sophie sobbed, falling into Saul's arms as the door closed behind them.

"I know,"Saul told her, kissing her forehead, "I don't like it, either. Your uncle thinks Hal is stalling the engagement."

"Hal is stalling because Joe can't show restraint,"Sophie told him, "The less restraint he shows, the less restraint he'll show as leader of the Crane family. It'll happen soon, but I don't know when."

"I think he'll push it off until after graduation,"Saul said it a little too hopefully.

Sophie agreed, though, "I begged Joe for a fall wedding or early spring. I at least have until next spring, but it could be September or October."

The two dressed in silence after that. Stealing kisses and hugs all the while.

"You make my heart so happy, Sophie,"Saul told her as they grabbed their bags and headed out, Loretta waiting for them.

"I'm sorry, Saul, but your brothers and dad are all in the dining room. I have to keep her near me,"Loretta told him as they both walked ahead of Saul who slowed his pace.

Breakfast was quick. No one said much, but all of the DeMarco brothers couldn't stop glaring at Sophie who was picking at her food, meticulously.

"Why the fuck does she get to eat anything after what she did?" Micah piped up.