Free Bare Hearts by Devon Youngblood Page A

as he walks toward his car.
    Parker closes the door, putting the gun back in its place.
    “Are you fucking nuts? Are you looking for a death wish?” I say angrily. Knowing he just put himself in harm’s way.
    “Did you see what just happened? He came here to see you, just like I figured he would. I told you before, I will protect you. I know damn well you didn’t want him to come in here. Whatever he has done to you in the past won’t happen again. I won’t let him hurt you.”
    Parker brings me close into his body, embracing me. I feel protected in his arms, like nothing will come between us, not even my father.
    “He’s in the mob; he has connections. He is dangerous, Parker. You need to tread lightly when it comes to him.” I say, pulling back and looking into his light blue eyes.
    “He doesn’t scare me, or intimidate me for that matter. I’ve seen much worse than the big bad wolf, trust me. I’ve been to war, remember? I’m trained in protecting others,” Parker says with a serious tone.
    I drop the subject, not wanting to fight over him . The past is coming back to haunt me. I thought he’d be gone for good; out of my life. Losing my mother has been enough to deal with.
    In the kitchen, I see my aunt cleaning. She does that when she is nervous. Hugging her from behind, she pats my arm.
    “You really should think about leaving town. I don’t want to see you get hurt,” I plead with her.
    “I can’t leave you here; especially by yourself.”
    “I’ll be here to protect her if something goes down. We can’t have you here by yourself while she is off at work or whatever,” Parker tells her as he leans against the entryway to the kitchen.
    Finally, she sees reason with Parker and agrees to leave town, but only on a temporary basis. She is a stubborn one.
    “Give me a few minutes with her,” I tell Parker and follow my aunt upstairs. The pain of leaving me emanates off her. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Stepping in the way you did, touches my heart. I could never express how much I appreciate you. You mean too much to me to keep you here.” The tears start to flow from her eyes, and I put my arms half around her shoulders. “It’s not permanent; I promise.” I pull her into me, hugging her.
    “I know. Parker will keep an eye on you. It’s just… we’ve become so close in these last few weeks, and it kills me to know Tony is out there and we don’t know what he wants.” Wiping her tears, she pulls a suitcase out from under the bed, throwing her clothes in.
    I make my way back downstairs and see Parker sitting on the couch. “She okay?” He asks as I sit next to him.
    “She will be; she’s tough.” I tell him, patting his leg.
    My aunt comes down the stairs with her suitcase in hand. And we say our goodbyes for now. “Take care,” she hugs me, squeezing tightly.
    “Please take my phone,” I insist. “Call Parker’s number, or the house phone, if anything arises,” I tell her.
    “Take care of my girl,” she says, hugging Parker. We watch as she gets in her car and wave her off as she pulls out of the driveway.
    “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come into my life. It’s been full of sadness and despair. Yet, you bring light to it. Make me feel safe when I’m with you,” I tell Parker.
    “Why don’t we try to forget this madness, and do something today?” He insists.
    “Like what, it’s raining out,” I say.
    “How ‘bout’ I take you to a shooting range and teach you how to use a gun?” He tells me, bringing both my hands into his.
    The thought of actually holding a gun scares the shit out of me. I’ve never been fond of them but I can see having one for protection. Maybe he’s right.
    “What is it with you? You are so fearless; driving over the railroad in the line of a train, thriving on the thrill of riding a rollercoaster, and let’s not forget stepping up to my father when you could have gotten yourself