"Daddy, where are you? Are you okay?" "I'm fine honey. Shit, what time is it?" "It's a quarter till seven." "I'm sorry, Caitlin. I swung by the bar after work and I just lost. track of time." Daddy never went to the bar when my mother was here. She would have bitched about it incessantly. "Stay there, Daddy. I'll come pick you up in my car. You sound like you've had a couple, and I don't want you to drive." Much to my surprise, Daddy didn't protest about my offer to pick him up. I wrapped up his dinner plate so that it wouldn't get too cold, grabbed my keys, and headed out to the bar. I had never tried to go into the bar before. I wasn't sure that they would let me in since I wasn't 21, but no one was even at the door checking IDs. I guessed that it was too early in the night for that. My eyes adjusted to the dim lighting and the smells of old cigarette smoke and stale beer flooded my nose. I saw Daddy sitting at the bar, pint glass in hand. I had almost reached him when some creep reached out and grabbed my hand, pulling me down onto the bar stool beside of Chapter 3 + Only $0.29 him. "What's a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?" "I came to hear the most cliché pickup line possible. Now that my mission has been accomplished, if you'll excuse me…" I stood up and tried to pull my arm away from him, but his grip was too strong, "Ooh, feisty. I like that in a woman." He was looking at me like I was a piece of meat. "I bet you can suck a dick real good with that feisty little mouth of yours. "Fuck you!" I jerked my arm, but he still didn't let go. He stood up and pulled me toward him until my breasts were crushed against his chest. I could smell the stench of the cheap whiskey that lingered on his breath. "I bet you'd like to, wouldn't you? Coming into a bar with your short shorts and tight shirt. Just another slut looking for a good time." Daddy's fist slammed into his cheek before I had the time to form a response. "Daddy!" I shrieked. I put some distance in between myself and the creepy guy. I had never seen Daddy hit anyone before. It was kind of hot. Something that I had read about in books, the Chapter 3 $ Only $0.29 hero defending the heroine's honor. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that this little cunt was already spoken for." my assaulter said sarcastically as he wiped a thin trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. "She's not some 'little cunt,' you dipshit. She's my daughter." Daddy put his arm around my shoulder and led me out of the bar. Once we were both in my car and buckled in, I turned to face him. "Thanks for stepping in back there, Daddy." "Of course, honey." he said wask gazed out of the window. His teeth were clenched. He only did that when he was really mad. "I'm okay, Daddy. Really." I reached over and put my hand up on his thigh. "Let's just go home, okay?" he said. I sighed as I turned the key in the ignition. So far, my weekend wasn't going at all the way I had planned. "I have a surprise for you, Daddy." I said as we pulling into the driveway. "Aw, you didn't have to do anything special for me, baby." Chapter 3 Only 50.21 Anger at my mother flashed inside of me. She didn't know how good she had it. "No, Daddy. You do deserve something special. You've taken care of me and mom for twelve years, and now it's your turn to be taken care of." I got out of the car and walked to the front door before he could reply. By the time he had made his way into the kitchen, I already had his food warmed and his place at the head of the table set. Daddy sat down with a huge smile on his face. I hope I can make him smile again later by feeding him something other than steak. "It looks fantastic, Caitlin. Thank you so much." "It was my pleasure, Daddy!" I said cheerfully. I sat down beside him and chatted with him as he ate. "Aren't you going to eat, sweetie?" he asked. In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.