Page 101 of Broken Daddy

Losing May had ruined him.

Didn’t take you for a coward.

May’s voice filtered through his head.

“I am, though, May,” he whispered. “I was scared to go on without you. I closed myself off so I could just get through day to day. And now . . .”

You met her.

Yeah. He had. And it was a betrayal of what he’d felt for May.

Don’t be stupid.

He had to smile at those words. They were something May would definitely say.

You wasting your life . . . that would make me mad. You finding someone to love. Never . . .

Hayes sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. He wished that he really could talk to May instead of this figment of his imagination. But May was gone and he was simply trying to justify letting himself feel something for this girl.

Fuck!

He stared down at his clenched fists. He hated that she’d been harmed. That he hadn’t been there to protect her.

Just like before.

No. He couldn’t do this again. However, that didn’t mean he could just walk away without checking on her.

What if she was in real danger?

God. He hated this.

There was a part of him that wanted to take her safely home with him and keep her there, locked up in his bedroom, where nothing could get to her.

“Just go in there. Check on her. Make sure she’s all right. Then . . . leave. You still have a job to do.”

Right. He had a plan. He was sticking to it. He wasn’t going to fall for this girl. She wasn’t his responsibility.

In. And out.

He got out of his vehicle. It was getting lighter out and he hadn’t slept at all. But there was no time for that. Donovan messaged as he walked to the doors.

Donovan:Stein is being charged. He’ll be up in front of a judge today. Cops aren’t happy that he claims he doesn’t know who paid him.

Hayes clenched his jaw.He wasn’t happy about that either. There had to be more he could do to help Rohan.

Not that it’s your problem.

But, fuck, he hated the injustice of it. Mostly for Devi’s sake. Although Rohan was in a gang so maybe she’d be better off without him in her life.

Hayes:Webb is watching Sondra. Devi is in hospital. Will let you know more details soon.

He steppedup to the desk in the hospital.

“Hayes.” Turning, he saw Honey. “Come on, this way.”

“How is she?” he asked

She sighed as they walked into a private waiting room. Ammo was in there. Where was Zander?