Hidden In Brutal Devotion (The Brutal Duet Book 1) (The Brutal Series)

Cole

After taking Harper to feed the ducks down by the lake, we went to a café for lunch.

Harper and Tia ordered identical burgers, and I watched as they both mixed their mayo and ketchup together before dipping their fries into the mixture‍—‍I’m not even sure they realize it’s something they both do. But I spent the afternoon embracing every second with them. The bond they have is blatant, something I’m sure the Lancasters are aware of and are no doubt jealous of.

Once we’d had lunch, Tia suggested we go to the local children’s museum. Apparently, she takes Harper there a lot because the woman at the desk recognized them instantly.

Something tells me she goes there because you only have to make a donation to enter.

Watching Tia draw, with Harper sitting beside her mirroring her mom’s actions, sent a pang to my chest. I always knew I wanted kids but never really considered when. But seeing them today, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that they’re mine. My girls.

My family.

Tia is gentle and patient with Harper, explaining how she highlights the pictures she’s drawn by pressing harder on the pencil to make it stand out. Every few seconds, Tia’s eyes would dart over toward Harper to check on her, even though she was literally sitting beside her. It was almost like she was scared someone was going to snatch her away. The thought made my jaw tic in annoyance. But the moment Harper smiled up at me with familiar eyes, my anger melted away.

Before we took Harper back to the Lancasters’, Tia changed Harper back into the perfect-looking clothes. The lady on the desk puckered her lips and shook her head, as though she couldn’t understand why anyone would want to dress a child to look like a shiny doll that you’re unable to touch in case you mark it.

The car journey was solemn, with conversation between us all short and clipped. There was no way this kid was happy in that house; her short time with Tia only solidified what I already knew.

She needed to be back where she belonged. With Tia.

With us.

The nanny had greeted Harper when we arrived at the door. Even she had a look of sympathy oozing from her sharp eyes before turning and locking the door.

Tia gazes out the window all the way home, and when I notice a tear trickle down her cheek, my hands tighten on the steering wheel, so I rein in my temper; I refrain from slamming my hand onto the wheel and pressing down on the accelerator. Instead, I take deep breaths and remind myself Tia has to go through this every month. She literally has no control over her own child, a child who is becoming a puppet to a twisted bitch, and fuck only knows what her husband is like.

The thought that Tia had to battle this when she herself was only a child, I cannot imagine what strength and determination she must have. How she hasn’t signed the papers for her adoption before now is a testament to that.

“You’re an incredible mom, beauty.” My voice is low, a whisper of how I feel. I want to scream and shout, tell her how amazing she is. Make her understand it.

She chuckles mockingly to herself. “I don’t feel it, Cole.”

“I get that.”

She turns her head to face me, her eyes searching my face for truth. “They have the mansion, the money, the access to nice parks.”

She nods at my words.

“You know what they don’t have, beauty?” She stares at me with uncertainty in her eyes before shaking her head. “They don’t have the bond you both have. They don’t have what’s in here.” I tap my fist to my chest. “Love. You’d give that girl anything to make her happy, beauty. I saw that today. And if you think for one minute making her happy is money and what it brings with it, then you’re lying to yourself.”

Tears stream down her face.

“She loves you, beauty, with all her goddamn heart.” My eyes flick back toward the road, then back to her. “Besides, you have money now. Me and my brothers are loaded.” I shrug and give her a smirk to lighten the mood.

She chokes on a chuckle of emotion, making me grin from ear to ear.

Damn fucking right she has me and my brothers now.

A strange wave of excitement and nervousness takes over me when I think of Tia living with my brothers.

We’re going to be a family.

All of us.