Free Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) by Rachael Tonks Page A

from fastening the top button. I loop a hair tie through the hole and over the button. It works perfect.
    I take the comb and walk out of the bathroom to see Hope dancing around and Cole sitting crossed leg on the end of the bed.
    “Oh, baby, you look tons better.” He holds out his hand.
    I take his in mine and we intertwine our fingers. His thumb runs over the back of my hand. My body tingles in response to his delicate touch. I run my other hand through his longer than normal shaggy hair.
    Hope stops dancing and singing when I glance at her. She looks at me strangely. I look at Cole and he eyes me curiously.
    “So, Hope, you going to get cleaned up so we can get something to eat, sweetie? It’s super late and a little girl as beautiful as you needs her beauty sleep.”
    “If I’m already beautiful then I don’t need beauty sleep, silly,” she answers sarcastically.
    I chuckle lightly as I jump down off the bed and guide her to the bathroom.
    “It’s been a long day, sweetie. We must get sleep tonight. Go clean up really quick so we can get some food. Here are some clothes to change into.” I pass her a small bag full of clean things.
    “O-kay…” she says sullenly, pouting on her walk into the bathroom, clinging onto the bag as she closes the door.
    I sit down beside Cole, resting my head on his shoulder.
    “What are we going to do about Hope?” Cole inquires.
    “I guess CPS will take her. I’m not sure if she has any family. By the sound of things, her mom isn’t around any longer. I wish we could do something to help her, Cole.”
    “I know, baby. Me too. Maybe when we’ve sorted out our own home she can come stay with us.”
    “Really? You’d do that for me?” I remark.
    “Of course. She’s a super sweet little girl and you two clearly have a deep connection.”
    “What did I ever do to deserve you?” I ask, cupping his face lovingly, losing myself in the deep blue heaven of his eyes. I feel the passion flow through me as our contact heats up. He wraps his strong arms around me. Pulling me onto his lap, we fall back on the bed as I kiss him deeply, exploring his mouth. Heat and desire pour from me, slowly unfolding me as I lose myself in him. I’m controlled by him in this moment. I am his, and he is my everything.
    Without him, I am nobody.
    We are interrupted by the sound of Hope clearing her throat. “Huh, huh,” she coughs at us. We look over at her and jump up.
    “I’m ready,” she snickers before twirling around, showing us the pretty little dress she’s wearing.
    “You look really beautiful, Hope,” Cole remarks.
    “Why thank you, kind sir. Can we please go get something to eat now?”
    “Of course. After you, pretty lady.” He gestures with his arm, pointing toward the door.
    We head downstairs to the lounge. There is a variety of food laid out on the old fashioned wooden table. Hope looks at me, eyes wide and mouth slightly ajar. She tugs gently on my top, trying to get my attention. I lean down to her.
    “What’s up, Hope?”
    “Is this all for us?” she asks incredulously.
    “I guess so.”
    “I have never seen so much food,” she gasps.
    “Go help yourself, sweetie.”
    She skips toward the table rubbing her hands together.
    I notice the biker guys and Pete sit rowdily playing cards. Pete looks up and throws me a wink. I look at the small table they are crowded around and see empty beer bottles littering the floor and table.
    I smile fondly at Pete. He notices my eyes wondering to the beer bottles before raising one in the air.
    “Just toasting you, Ken. We are so pleased we found you,” his words slur a little bit.
    “Careful, guys, I’m not sure Pete can keep up with you heavy drinkers,” Cole taunts.
    “We are enjoying fleecing him for every penny,” Chuck laughs out.
    I grab some food before settling on the couch. I eat quickly, finally realizing just how hungry I’ve become. It feels so good to get full.
    “Hey, slow down there, pretty girl.”