𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎̀ 𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎 | John Price

Chapter Seventeen

Daisy and Melody spend the next few weeks making new memories, doing random things that slowly bring back Daisy's spark. They go to the local park, have picnics, and even start a garden together. Melody's positivity is contagious, and Daisy finds herself smiling more often than not.

John stays true to his word, checking in on Daisy every day, ensuring she's okay, and keeping her spirits high. His protectiveness doesn't wane, but there's something else in his eyes now—A softness that wasn't there before.

The young women cause havoc around town, doing things that are borderline illegal. But of course, they're good at keeping secrets.

They both return to Melody's home, dressed in animal onesies while holding entire bottles of wine. They're greeted by a living room full of men—Attractive military men.

"Woah," Melody giggles and smirks at Daisy.

"Not interested." Daisy playfully rolls her eyes as she stumbles towards the stairs.

"Good, because we're not here to flirt with anyone. We're here to keep our friendship strong and get smashed, remember?" Melody laughs while following her friend.

"Girls, really?" John's voice cuts through their giggles as he emerges from the kitchen, eyeing their onesies with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Daisy's cheeks warm at the sight of him, his military posture slightly relaxed as he holds back a smile. "What on earth are you two up to now?"

"If I told you—" Daisy giggles, as if she was about to say something scandalous. "Who are these beefcakes?" She gestures to the men lounging around.

"Ah, these are my boys—Ghost, Soap, and Gaz," John says, leaning against the wall. The men all nod in greeting, their expressions a mix of surprise and amusement at the sight of the two young women in their ridiculous outfits. "They're just here for a bit of downtime."

"I wouldn't mind hanging around," Melody says playfully, eyeing the men.

"Don't even think about it," John sighs at his daughter's antics.

"Sup. I'm drunk, high, and dead inside. It's nice to meet you all," Daisy says with a cheeky smile, her voice slurred slightly from the wine.

The men laugh, and Soap stands up, walking over to her. "John's told us lots about you, Daisy. It's good ta finally put a face to the legend," he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Oh. Nice accent, Scotland. I'm assuming your real name isn't Soap? At least, I would hope your parents loved you enough not to name you after something they rub all over themselves." The room erupts in laughter, and even John can't help but chuckle.

"The name is Johnny MacTavish, little lady. May I ask your name, or am I gunna get my ass chewed out?"

Daisy giggles and shrugs. "I usually only chew ass on the weekdays, so consider yourself lucky," she teases. "My name is Daisy Penelope Bloom. You can call me whatever—Just don't call me a bitch, and we'll be fine."

The men exchange glances, their respect for Daisy growing. They've heard the story, and they know she's been through hell and back. They also know that John would take them apart piece by piece if they so much as looked at her the wrong way.

"Nice to meet you, Daisy," Ghost says, raising his beer in salute.

"I'm assuming you're Ghost, considering the mask? It's pretty hot, honestly," she snorts. "My taste in men is questionable, so ignore me if I make comments that would usually lead to the bedroom."

"Daisy!" Melody exclaims, slapping her playfully on the shoulder. "What are you doing? These are Dad's friends!" But she's laughing too hard to scold her effectively. The men, despite their rough exteriors, seem to be enjoying the banter.

"What? I'm only human, alright. Can't tame a fucking dragon, or a dragon, fucking... It is what it is."

John groans, shaking his head. "You two are going to be the death of me." He walks over to Daisy, taking the wine bottle from her hand. "Alright, that's enough for now. You need to eat something before you pass out in those ridiculous outfits."

"Hey hey hey~! That's my bottle you just snatched, you bottle thief." She quickly follows after him and tries to reach for the bottle.

Melody and the guys laugh as John leads Daisy to the kitchen. "You know I'm right, sweetheart. You need to eat."

"Can I eat you instead~?" She purrs and giggles as she snatches her bottle back before rushing back into the living room. "Victory is mine! Run, Melon, before your daddy puts me in timeout!"

John watches her retreating form with a bemused but affectionate expression. He turns to his friends. "I'll be right back. Don't let her do anything stupid. And keep your hands to yourselves," he warns, pointing at them playfully.

"Yes, sir!" They chorus together, and John shakes his head with a chuckle before heading upstairs. When he returns, he finds the girls have decided to hold an impromptu dance party. They're laughing and twirling around the living room, their onesies making it look like a bizarre masquerade. He sighs, knowing that this is exactly what Daisy needs. To live in the moment, to laugh, to forget the pain that haunts her. He leans against the doorway, watching them, feeling a strange mix of emotions he's not quite ready to name.

"I'm sweating in this thing," Daisy groans as she struggles to unzip her onesie.

Melody giggles, helping her out. "You know, you guys should've joined us. It's not like you're not allowed to have fun."

"We're too old for that shite," Gaz says, his smile betraying his amusement.

"Too old? I'd fuck—Pfft, I can't say that. Nevermind." Daisy laughs as she slips out of her onesie, her skin covered in a sheen of sweat as her shorts and tank top stick to her curves like glue.

John's eyes linger on her for a beat longer than necessary before he clears his throat. "Let's get you something to eat, Daisy. And maybe some water to go with that wine?" She nods, stumbling slightly as she follows him into the kitchen. The room feels suddenly too quiet, too intimate. She leans against the counter, watching him move with a grace that doesn't quite match his size.

"He looks at her like he just realized what love is," Soap whispers to Ghost and Gaz, his eyes never leaving John and Daisy. They exchange knowing looks, recognizing the signs of a man falling hard for a woman. They know better than to say anything, though. This is a man's business, and they're just here for the beer and the stories.