Silence Me (Dare Me Series Book 1)

Part 19

"Y'all go out." "I'm not leaving you." I slide my hand into my pocket, pull the lighter out, and toss it to her. If she's here, I'm here. Her lips fold in as she tries to control the sadness leaking from her eyes. Everything inside of me wants to wrap her in my arms and hold on to her. But I don't because I know that's not what she wants. Lexi doesn't need to be coddled. That's not who she is. She nods and looks back at Mills. "I'm with you, Kid," he says, his voice filled with emotion. A glimpse of lost time passes through her eyes as she looks at Mills. A flash of I'm sorry on her pretty face. Like it's her fault Bethany made shitty choices. This time he nods, not in acceptance of her ridiculous apology, but in agreement. He's sorry, too. She sniffs and wipes her face with the sleeve of her shirt. Her eyes dart around the room before landing on old mail. She pours gasoline onto the counter and walks over to the manila envelopes. Dropping the can, she flicks the lighter. Slowly, the ends of the paper start to burn. I hear the front door open and turn to see Mills holding the knob as he watches his kid. She smirks and tosses the thing onto the counter. Blue-orange flames chase each other, and she looks back at me with raw emotions and the best one? Satisfaction. "Come on," I say, lifting my hand to the side for her to grab it. She does and we follow Mills out of the house. Smoke billows from its broken windows in a matter of minutes. We watch it before moving the cars across the road, and even then we get out and stare at the burning house as it folds in on itself. I wrap my arm around her, and she leans into me, snaking her own arm across my waist. She looks up at me, her cheeks rosy and tear-stained. Her lips are pink and swollen. Damp, dark eyelashes blink as strands of her hair blow in the winter wind. She's never looked more beautiful. Her expression is filled with gratitude and adoration. It knocks me off my feet. It's a look I've never seen before. Not from her. Not from anyone. Not like that. "I love you," she whispers, teardrops spilling. My heart faints. She owns me. I hold her tighter to me and quick-kiss her hair before resting my cheek on it, breathing her in. A rush of flames shoots up from her bedroom. "We better be going soon," Mills says, standing by the hood of his truck. I agree with him; the fire department will be here shortly. I move from holding Lexi. Mills shoves his hands into his coat's pockets. Lexi wipes her cheeks and turns her head toward him. "So... I know this is all new and..." Mills stops and looks above her head, searching for the words. "I missed out on everything and I'm sorry. I swear I didn't know. Things would have been so different." He gives her a sad smile and gazes toward the house. "Hell, I don't know if you want a dad. I mean, you're grown." He exhales and looks back at her. "But I'd love to be yours. She chokes out a smile. "Yeah, I think I'd like that, too." His whole face lights up. "Really?" Alexis nods. "Yes." Mills doesn't even think about it as he reaches out and pulls her into a warm embrace. And this is the first time Lexi has ever hugged the man knowing he's her father.

It's a damn good thing to witness.

A damn good thing.