The Girl He Craves

Meredith's pov

The young girl shuts the door behind Grant and me, leaving us in the presence of my father and Margo, who had been working here since I was young.

She beamed when she noticed me, her features lighting. "Meredith dear.’

She looked a bit peeved that she could not come over to me and had to remain positioned by father to nurse his wounds.

I looked at his wounds closely, smiling as I took a further step.

’Did Aiden do that to you?" I pointed at his nose and jaw. He looked like he had gotten punched relentlessly.

Father pushed Margo’s hand away from his lips. She had been dabbing a cloth on the split flesh.

’What do you think?’ He questioned, lounging back in his chair casually as though his face did not pain him. I didn’t miss the slight wince.

I grinned. I guess you deserve it, father. You are, after all, trying to ruin his life."

His grin widened. "I haven't tasted my own copper blood in years.” He licked his split lip. "I've missed the tang.”

I shook my head and walked over to the huge bookshelf. My fingers skim the backs and stopped on the huge book he used to read to me when I was younger.

He still had it.

I took it from the shelf, opening it to that page I knew was important. Grant leans over me protectively.

I smiled warmly at him, reassuring him with my eyes that my father would not hurt me.

He wasn't convinced.

’Grant, son. It's been a while. Sorry I hadn't seen you at first."

'Don't act like you like my presence here Sergio,’ Grant grunted, leaning against the shelf.

Father's eyes narrowed. "How has work been, still scrapping for money?"

with the Muralo's. He didn't understand that love was far greater

he understood

But now.

photo, brushing my fingers over her face. "She wouldn't have approved

to him, he's

forward but Grant stops me. I looked up into his concerned eyes and lift my hand to brush

reassured him with a smile and the silence

sighed and reluctantly let me

stroll toward father who motioned for Margo to get

nods. When she walks passed

at her warmly. Margo was a few years older than me and actually grew up here. Her mom had been working for my grandparents

I were friends before

to see you too

my shoulder. "I would like to speak to my daughter in private

’He’s family. Whatever we

Father's eyes narrowed.

one thing I got from this man, and it was stubbornness. We didn't like to give up

muttered, his voice casting

desk, right before him while looking

had done a number on

it,

whispered, keeping my eyes

stiffened, his bony fingers reaching out

I feel relieved. The man still had some humanity and wasn't all the way cold to the

forget?’ His watery smile made my heart

with tears brimming in his eyes is the last family photo we took with mom. She had been awfully sick here but she was the one who prodded for one last

were always a huge blur. It was because I

days after that photo was taken, mom died. She died happy

we were not ready for

the pain for years. And she