#and i like this person a lot but im getting tired | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

dckweed · 20 hours ago

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THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW, gator tillman

in which gator tillman and his arranged bride figure out life and each other and what a real relationship means to them.

warnings: mentions and depictions of abuse, mentions of bruises, arranged marriages, romance, humor, dead parents, slow burn relationship (not completely but not not), basically we know the tillman men are asswipes so i 100% see Roy forcing gator into this kind of situation for money for his militia, eventual smut with kinks such as thigh riding, gun play, choking, spanking, lots of marking and possible spit play. this chapter does not contain explicit smut, but does contain mentions of blowjobs and ejaculation on tits. 18 & over only, MINORS DO NOT READ.

hiiiiiiiiiiii its been a while huh? thought i would feed you guys with a nice long one..not proof read, im half asleep with a sick toddler on top of me, most of this is also unplanned (as is most of the things i write). let me know how we like lu! what do we think of her and gator? and the ending? the engagement party????

please click this link! each click helps me earn some extra money, as well as each person that clicks the link and signs up (its completely free, and takes 0 time), a completely harmless way to earn some extra cash that doesn't involve giving me any of your own!

i would also like to maybe have a little competition to see who can make me a new aesthetic/moodboard for these two? winner will get a 20$ dunkin or starbs gift card (your choice)! let me know if anyone is interested!

also, as a reminder i love receiving asks about these two! i also love recieving maybe some drabble ideas too :) my inbox is always open!

series masterlist here, series playlist here.

PART EIGHT: lu and the engagement party

Saturday came faster than you realized, your alarm clock bleating in your ear before the sun was even up. You don’t even open your eyes when you reach your arm out to slap the button you know will shut it up, reaching out from under the covers blindly with a groan. A whiney noise comes from the body under your cheek, the noise rumbling in his chest and vibrating your cheek as he tightens his arm around you. “S’time to get up, Gator..” You say softly, yawning, head still under the covers.

He hums, hand rubbing over your back softly. “She really that good of a friend that we can’t let her sit there for a few hours?” He grumbles and you bite his pec, for the fact of being purely too lazy to raise your arm again and smack him. “Ow! Geez, I get it!” He starts to sit up, you in his lap as he grumbles under his breath about how you’re part vampire or something with the way you just chomped down on him, how you’re a mean bitch when you’re tired and all you do is grumble in return, biting his neck this time. “Joke’s on you, that one felt good” He chuckles, slipping out from underneath of you and heading for the bathroom.

You follow after him in nothing but your bra and panties, rubbing your puffy, tired eyes. You had been up with Boyd half the night, the other half spent waiting for Gator to come to your house after work so you could crawl into bed with him, having quickly become used to him just being there and suddenly unable to sleep without him. “M’sleepy..” You whine, stamping your foot on the ground as you shiver, before pouting when he just raises an eyebrow at you and hands you your tooth brush and your basket of skin care items.

You completely ignore the way his eyes roam over you, letting him stare at your tits as they jiggle when you brush your teeth, as if you hadn’t let him cum all over them last night when you had given him another blow job before bed, just for funsies this time. As if you hadn’t teased him all night long with some topless selfies...

You pout and stomp your foot again when he pushes you out towards your closet, crying out when he lands a harsh smack to your ass. “Quit it with that bratty behavior, ‘fore i put that mouth to use to stop that damn whinin’” He commands, ushering you into your closet. He kept a drawer of his clothes in there now, at your urging seeing as you had filled his drawers with a bunch of your stuff at his house. You wasted no time in helping yourself to one of his giant stark county sheriff’s tshirts, much to his chagrin, pairing it with a pair of denim high waisted shorts and some sandals to show off your pretty pink toenails that he vaguely remembered paying to have done.

“Going for comfort today, Pearlie?” He asks, pulling his own tshirt on, you only hum, pressing your face into his back as you wrap your arms around his middle, making it difficult for him to get dressed. You were like a clingy toddler some mornings, and he couldn’t say that he didn’t love it.

It took another twenty minutes or so to get you out of the house, your hair up in a claw clip as you trailed behind him, eyes half closed still, heavy with sleep. The keys to your jeep dangled from your hand and dutifully he opens the passenger side door for you, patting your butt as you climb in with a murmured promise to stop and get you some coffee.

The sunrise spills across the horizon, painting the world in shades of soft gold and pink as you sip your iced coffee and lean back in the passenger seat of your Jeep. The caffeine hasn’t quite kicked in yet, but it doesn’t matter. Exhaustion clings to you both, but somehow, sitting here with him feels like the most peaceful place in the world.

Gator’s hand rests firmly on your thigh, his thumb tracing lazy circles over the denim of your shorts. It’s such a small gesture, but it anchors you. He’s driving, his long fingers draped over the wheel like he was born to hold it. You glance at him, the way the morning light sharpens his profile, and feel a familiar flutter in your chest. You don’t think you’ll ever get used to this—how natural it feels to have him beside you, even in the simplest moments.

“You and that coffee,” he teases, glancing at you with that lopsided grin that always makes you roll your eyes and smile at the same time. “One of these days, I’m gonna figure out how much you’ve spent on those things and send you the bill.”

“You’d never,” you shoot back, taking another sip just to spite him. “And besides, you keep buying them for me, so really, whose fault is it?”

“Guess I’m just a sucker,” he mutters, shaking his head. But the corners of his mouth twitch upward, and you know he doesn’t mind one bit.

The radio hums softly in the background, a mix of new country songs you’ve been obsessing over lately. Your face lights up as the familiar opening chords of Morgan Wallen’s latest hit fill the car. Without thinking, you crank the volume, squealing in excitement. “Oh my God, this is my song! Turn it up, turn it up!”

Gator groans in mock agony, but he complies, his fingers twisting the knob. “This is, what, the fifth ‘favorite song’ you’ve had this month?”

“Shut up and sing with me,” you order, already belting out the lyrics—off-key, of course, but you don’t care. The wind rushes in through the open windows, carrying your voice out into the morning air. You’re loud and unapologetic, and it makes you laugh when he winces like your singing physically hurts him.

“Jesus, Pearlie,” he says, shaking his head as he joins in, purposely worse than you just to make you laugh. And laugh you do, doubling over in your seat until tears stream down your cheeks, your coffee threatening to spill in your hand.

“Careful,” he warns, grinning as he takes his eyes off the road for just a second to glance at you. “You’re gonna wreck that bougie drink of yours all over my seats.”

You can’t even respond to remind him that they’re your seats; you’re laughing too hard to form words. The song ends, leaving you breathless and buzzing with the kind of giddy energy only he can bring out of you. You look over at him, his face relaxed and happy as he keeps one hand steady on the wheel and the other warm on your leg.

“You’re having fun,” you point out, nudging him with your elbow.

He raises a brow. “You’re a mess, Pearlie. How could I not?”

You roll your eyes, leaning your head back against the seat as the next song comes on, softer and slower. The moment shifts, settling into something quieter, but no less warm. You watch him for a while, the way his fingers drum lightly against the wheel in time with the music, his face relaxed but focused. It hits you, suddenly and completely: how good he is to you. How steady, how sure.

“You’re gonna love Lu,” you say, breaking the silence. “She’s known me forever. Longer than anyone. She’s like family.”

He hums, nodding. “She sounds like a badass. I’m looking forward to it.”

“She’ll probably grill you,” you warn, a teasing smile tugging at your lips. “She’s protective.”

“I’d expect nothing less,” he replies, squeezing your thigh gently. “But I’ll win her over.”

“Confident, are we?” you tease, sipping your coffee.

“Let’s just say,” he says, his voice softening, “I’ve got a good reason to make a good impression.”

The way he says it—the way his fingers tighten slightly on your leg, the way his eyes flick to yours for just a second—makes your chest ache in the best way. He doesn’t have to spell it out for you; you know. You know he means you.

You let your hand rest on top of his, your thumb brushing against his knuckles. The road stretches out ahead of you, golden and endless, and for the first time in a long time, you feel completely at peace.

These moments—the ones that seem so small—are the ones you’ll remember. Just you and him, the open road, and the kind of love that makes everything else fade into the background.

The airport buzzes with the chaotic energy of travelers—hurried footsteps, rolling luggage, voices blending into a steady hum. You stand at the baggage claim, shifting from one foot to the other, chewing your nails in nervous anticipation. You know it’s a bad habit, one you’ve tried to break, but right now, the energy coursing through you makes it impossible to stop.

"Pearlie, come on," Gator says gently, nudging your elbow. He’s leaning casually against a column, trying to act unaffected, but you catch the glint of amusement in his eyes. "You’re gonna chew your fingers off before she even gets here."

You shoot him a glare, but it’s half-hearted. "I can’t help it. She’s taking forever. What if she got lost? Or missed her connection?"

He chuckles, his hand slipping onto your waist as if to ground you. "It’s been, what, two months since you saw her? I think you’ll survive a few more minutes."

Two months. You know it hasn’t been that long since graduation, but it feels like a lifetime. There’s a particular ache that only comes from being separated from someone who knows every version of you—someone who’s been there through it all. Lu isn’t just your best friend; she’s your other half.

Your eyes scan the bustling area again, and just as you’re about to spiral into another wave of impatience, you spot her. She’s bounding down the escalator, her carry-on backpack bouncing wildly on her shoulders, her hair swinging in every direction. And before you can process it, she’s charging toward you at full speed, her arms flailing as she screams your name.

"PEARLIE!"

You barely have time to brace yourself before she launches at you like a missile, her full weight colliding with you as she leaps onto your back. Her arms wrap around your neck, squeezing tightly as the force sends you stumbling forward with a laugh and a shriek.

"LU!" you cry, barely able to get the word out through your laughter as you try to keep your balance. She’s clinging to you like a koala, her legs wrapping around your waist as she plants a noisy kiss on your cheek.

"God, I missed you!" she exclaims, practically squeezing the life out of you. "It’s been forever!"

"You saw me at graduation!" you protest, though your arms instinctively come up to hold her. Tears sting your eyes, and you don’t even try to blink them away. "Two months, Lu. Two!"

"Two months too long," she says dramatically, leaning her head on your shoulder.

You’re both laughing now, the sound blending with the cacophony of the airport, when suddenly, Lu is yanked off you.

"What the—" Gator’s voice cuts through the moment, sharp and protective. He’s pulled Lu off you like she’s some kind of attacker, his hands firm on her shoulders as he moves to position himself between you and her.

The look of pure confusion on Lu’s face is priceless. "Uh, who’s this guy?" she asks, her voice dripping with amusement as she takes him in, her eyes scanning his broad shoulders and serious expression. "Your bodyguard?"

You’re too busy laughing to respond right away, but when you see Gator’s face—his brows furrowed, his jaw tight—you quickly intervene. "Gator, it’s okay!" you say, stepping forward and grabbing his arm. "This is Lu. My best friend."

He blinks, his grip on her shoulders loosening as he glances between the two of you. "Oh." His expression shifts from defensive to sheepish in an instant. "Sorry. You came in hot, and I—"

"Relax, Big Guy," Lu interrupts, her lips twitching into a smirk as she pats his arm. "I’m not here to steal your girl. Well," she adds with a playful shrug, "not permanently, anyway."

You roll your eyes, but you can’t stop smiling. Gator looks down at you, his own lips quirking into a reluctant grin as he mutters, "Guess I overreacted."

"A little," you tease, leaning into his side. "But it’s kind of sweet."

"Sweet, huh?" Lu says, her eyes narrowing as she steps closer, poking Gator in the chest. "So you’re the famous Gator. The one who’s got my Pearlie all head over heels."

"That’d be me," he says, his grin turning more confident now as he extends a hand. "Nice to finally meet you, Lu. I’ve heard a lot about you."

"Good things, I hope," she says, shaking his hand firmly before turning back to you. "Well, I gotta say, Pearlie, he’s cute. And tall. You did good."

"Can we not?" you groan, your cheeks flushing as you try to drag her toward the exit. But even as she continues to tease you, you can’t stop the warmth blooming in your chest. Lu’s here. Gator’s here. And for the first time in what feels like forever, everything feels exactly as it should be.

After picking Lu up from the airport and loading her bags into the Jeep, Gator insisted on taking you both out to eat before starting the long drive back to Lehigh. You protested at first, but Lu’s excited agreement overruled you. “I’m starving,” she declared. “Airplane snacks don’t count as real food.”

The three of you ended up at a cozy diner just off the highway. Gator slid into the booth beside you while Lu sat across, her sharp eyes darting between the two of you with a curiosity that made you squirm. He handed you a menu but didn’t bother opening one for himself. You both knew he’d order the same thing he always did—something hearty and simple.

When the waitress came by, Gator didn’t hesitate to pay for all three of you, brushing off Lu’s protest with a casual, “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it.” She raised an eyebrow but didn’t push, giving him an approving nod instead.

As you waited for your food, you launched into an animated retelling of the story behind your engagement ring. “So, we were at the bridal shop, helping our little sisters find flower girl dresses,” you began, your hands gesturing wildly. “And I’m in the dressing room, trying on wedding dresses, when he just—he pulls out the ring.”

Lu’s eyes widened. “In the dressing room? Bold move.”

“I know, right?” you laughed. “And the ring—it’s this huge oval diamond on the simplest band. It’s perfect. He spent so much on it, and then I spent so much on my wedding dress, Boyd was furious. But I didn’t care.”

“Wait, Boyd was mad about the dress?” Lu asked, leaning forward with interest.

“Oh, yeah. He thought it was too extravagant or something, or too..ugh..whorey? I told him to shove it.” You grinned, pride shining in your eyes. “And then I smacked him the other day.”

Lu burst out laughing. “You what?”

“I smacked him,” you repeated, your grin widening. “He was being an ass, as usual. Gator’s still proud of me for it.”

“Damn right I am,” Gator chimed in, his arm resting on the back of the booth behind you. His voice was warm and steady, but his eyes were soft as he watched you. He didn’t say much during the meal, content to sit back and listen to you and Lu catch up. The way you lit up, your laughter filling the small diner, made his chest ache in the best way.

The drive back to Boyd’s was long, the five-hour stretch of highway rolling out like an endless ribbon in front of Gator’s truck. Pearl had fallen asleep not long after they hit the road, her head resting against the window, her breathing soft and steady. Gator glanced at her every so often, a faint smile playing on his lips. She looked so peaceful, her usual worries and nerves smoothed away in sleep.

In the backseat, Lu was wide awake, her sharp eyes fixed on Gator. She leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting on her knees. “So,” she started, breaking the comfortable silence, “you and Pearlie. How serious is this, really?”

Gator flicked a quick glance at her in the rearview mirror, his hands steady on the wheel. “Serious enough that I’m marrying her,” he said evenly, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone. “That’s usually a pretty good indicator.”

Lu rolled her eyes. “Don’t play smart with me, Big Guy. I know it’s an arranged marriage. I just want to make sure you actually care about her. Because if you don’t…” She let the sentence hang, her meaning crystal clear.

Gator’s grip on the wheel tightened for a moment before he exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. “I get it,” he said, his voice softer now. “You’re looking out for her, and I respect that. But let me make one thing clear—Pearlie means everything to me. I don’t care how this started. I’m all in.”

Lu studied him for a long moment, her sharp gaze unnerving but oddly comforting. It reminded him of Pearl’s own protective nature, and he found himself grateful that she had someone like Lu in her corner. “Good,” Lu said finally, leaning back in her seat. “Because she deserves someone who’s all in. She’s been through enough.”

Gator nodded, his jaw tightening as he fought the urge to ask Lu just how much she knew about what Pearl had been through. Instead, he let the conversation flow naturally, focusing on keeping things light for now. “So, is this the part where you grill me about my intentions or something?” he teased, throwing her a quick grin in the rearview mirror.

Lu smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. “Oh, don’t think you’re off the hook yet. Pearlie told me you can’t cook to save your life. You burned spaghetti and grilled cheese? Seriously?”

Gator groaned, shaking his head. “She told you about that, huh? Look, it was one time—okay, maybe two—and I was distracted.”

“Distracted?” Lu laughed. “How do you get distracted cooking spaghetti?”

Gator’s lips twitched. “She walked in wearing one of my shirts and no pants. You try focusing after that.”

Lu burst out laughing, her head tipping back as she wiped at her eyes. “Alright, fair enough. But seriously, you better figure out how to cook something. She can’t live off iced coffee and snacks forever.”

“I’m working on it,” he said, his tone mock-defensive. “And for the record, I don’t mind paying for her coffee habit. If it makes her happy, it’s worth it.”

Lu hummed thoughtfully, her smile softening. “Alright, you’re scoring points, Gator. But tell me this—why don’t you ever let her drive her Jeep? She told me you always insist on being the one behind the wheel.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You ever been in a car with Pearlie driving? It’s terrifying. She doesn’t use turn signals half the time, she speeds, and she’s got no concept of personal space on the road. I’m not risking my life like that.”

Lu laughed again, covering her mouth to keep from waking Pearl. “You sound like an old man.”

“Maybe I am,” he admitted with a shrug. “But at least I’m an old man who’s alive.”

As their laughter faded, Lu’s eyes caught the faint glint of metal peeking out of Gator’s pocket. She leaned forward, pointing. “Is that a vape?”

Gator hesitated, glancing at her in the mirror. “Yeah, but don’t tell Pearlie. I told her I was cutting back.”

Lu grinned mischievously. “Your secret’s safe with me. But hand it over—I need a hit.”

He rolled his eyes but pulled the vape from his pocket, passing it back to her. “Here. But if she wakes up and catches us, you’re taking the blame.”

“Deal,” Lu said, taking a drag before exhaling slowly. “You know, I think I like you, Gator. You’re alright.”

“Thanks,” he replied dryly. “Glad to know I’ve got your approval.”

“Don’t get cocky,” she teased, handing the vape back to him. “You’re still on probation.”

He chuckled softly, tucking the vape back into his pocket as he glanced at Pearl, still sleeping peacefully. “Fair enough. But for what it’s worth, I really do love her. I’d do anything for her.”

Lu’s teasing smile softened, and she nodded. “I know. That’s why I think you’re alright. Just don’t screw it up, okay?”

“I won’t,” he promised, his voice steady and resolute. “I won’t.”

The rest of the drive passed in companionable silence, the bond between them growing stronger with each shared laugh and unspoken understanding. By the time they pulled into the long, winding driveway of Boyd’s ranch, Gator felt like he’d earned not just Lu’s approval, but her trust—and that meant more to him than he could put into words.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of excitement and nerves. Lu’s arrival brought a sense of comfort and familiarity that you hadn’t realized how much you’d been craving. She hugged you tightly at the airport, her sharp eyes scanning your face as if she could see every worry you’d tried to hide.

“You look good, Pearlie,” she said, her tone soft but firm, as if daring you to argue. “Happier than the last time I saw you.”

“I am,” you replied, glancing at Gator, who was waiting a few steps behind with your bags. He gave you a small, reassuring smile, and you felt your shoulders relax just a little.

The three of you spent the afternoon going over wedding details, flipping through fabric swatches and floral arrangements. Lu’s sharp wit kept you laughing, and Gator’s steady presence made you feel like everything might actually come together in time. You tried on the engagement party dress for them, twirling in front of the mirror as Lu whistled appreciatively and Gator’s gaze darkened with something that made your cheeks flush.

“You’re stunning,” he said simply, his voice thick with emotion.

For a moment, you let yourself believe it.

But when the night of the engagement party arrived, a storm of emotions churned in your chest. It wasn’t just anxiety or excitement—it was something heavier, something you couldn’t quite name. You’d spent the day pretending everything was fine, smiling for Gator and Lu, going through the motions of final touches and last-minute preparations. But inside, you felt like a tightly wound string, ready to snap at the slightest pull.

The first sign that things were unraveling came when you were supposed to leave for the venue. You stood in front of the mirror, staring at the pink backless dress that had felt so perfect just hours ago. Now, it felt like a costume, like a version of yourself you didn’t recognize. Your fingers trembled as you touched the fabric, your reflection blurring as tears welled in your eyes.

You didn’t know how long you stood there, frozen, until your phone buzzed on the dresser. It was Gator, his name lighting up the screen. You didn’t answer. Instead, you grabbed another dress—something simpler, darker, with sleeves that covered your arms and a neckline that felt safer. You pulled it on quickly, your hands fumbling with the zipper as panic clawed at your throat.

By the time you arrived at the restaurant, the party was already in full swing. You slipped through the door quietly, hoping to go unnoticed, but Gator’s eyes found you almost instantly. The relief on his face was palpable, but it quickly shifted to confusion as he took in your appearance. This wasn’t the dress he’d been looking forward to seeing you in, the one you’d been so excited about.

You avoided his gaze, keeping your head down as you murmured apologies to the few guests who greeted you. The weight of their attention felt unbearable, like it might crush you at any moment. Gator reached you in a few long strides, his hand brushing the small of your back as he leaned in to ask, "Pearlie, what’s going on?"

You flinched at his touch, a reaction so small most wouldn’t have noticed, but he did. His hand fell away, his brow furrowing in concern. "Hey," he said softly, trying to meet your eyes. "Talk to me."

You shook your head, your voice barely audible as you whispered, "Not here."

He nodded, his jaw tight as he stepped back to give you space. But his eyes never left you, watching every move you made as if he could protect you from whatever was eating away at you. And maybe he could. Maybe that’s what scared you the most.

Later, when the party was winding down, Gator pulled you aside into a quiet hallway. His hands were gentle but firm on your shoulders as he guided you into an empty bathroom, closing the door behind you. "Pearlie," he said, his voice low but steady, "what’s going on? You’ve been off all night."

Your resolve crumbled under the weight of his concern. You turned away from him, your hands trembling as you reached for the hem of your dress. "I didn’t want to ruin tonight," you said, your voice breaking. "I didn’t want to make it about this."

"About what?" he asked, his tone laced with urgency.

You hesitated, then slowly lifted the back of your dress, revealing the fresh bruises and welts that marred your skin. Gator’s sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the room, and when you finally turned to face him, his expression was a mix of fury and heartbreak.

"Boyd?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

You nodded, tears streaming down your face as you whispered, "It’s worse when you’re not there. He knows you can’t be around all the time."

Gator’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his body vibrating with barely contained rage. "I swear to God, Pearlie, I’m not letting this go. He’s not touching you again."

You shook your head, panic rising in your chest. "You can’t do anything, Gator. If you try to go after him—"

"I’m not letting him get away with this," he interrupted, his voice trembling with emotion. "But I can’t do it alone. I have to talk to my father."

The mention of Sheriff Roy made your stomach drop. You knew their relationship was fraught, a toxic mix of authority and resentment. "Gator," you said hesitantly, "are you sure that’s a good idea? He’s... he’s not exactly—"

"I know what he is," Gator cut in, his eyes dark with determination. "But he’s the sheriff, and I need his permission to bring Boyd in. I’ll deal with him if it means keeping you safe."

You wanted to argue, to tell him it wasn’t worth it, but the look in his eyes stopped you. He wasn’t just angry; he was resolute. This wasn’t just about protecting you—it was about taking back control from the men who had tried to break both of you.

Gator pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly as you cried into his chest. "I’m gonna fix this, Pearlie," he murmured, his voice fierce and unwavering. "I promise you, I’m gonna fix this."

Hours later, after the engagement party had begun to dwindle and most of the guests had trickled out, Gator found himself at the bar. The room was quieter now, with the low hum of conversation and clinking glassware filling the air. Pearlie sat with Lu at a table on the far side of the restaurant, her laughter subdued, her gestures smaller. She wasn’t quite herself, and it gnawed at him.

He wasn’t going to let Boyd do this to her anymore. Not after tonight. Not ever again.

Roy sat next to him, nursing a whiskey on the rocks, his sharp eyes surveying the room like he was waiting for trouble to spark. The sheriff was an imposing figure, broad-shouldered and intimidating without even trying. His presence demanded authority, and his reputation in Stark County ensured it. But to Gator, he was just the man who had spent his life doling out discipline with a heavy hand and words that cut deeper than any belt.

Gator glanced over at Pearlie again, his jaw tightening. “I need your help,” he said finally, his voice low but firm.

Roy raised an eyebrow, swirling his drink as he turned to face his son. “Help with what?” he asked, his tone calm, almost detached.

“With Boyd,” Gator said, the name like poison on his tongue. His father’s expression didn’t shift, but Gator could feel the weight of his scrutiny. “He’s hurting her. And I can’t— I won’t let it happen again.”

Roy’s lips thinned as he set his glass down, the faintest clink of ice breaking the tension. “You sure you want to involve me in this, son? Last I checked, you’ve been doing everything to avoid following in my footsteps.”

Gator’s hands clenched into fists on the bar. “This isn’t about me or you. It’s about her. She’s got bruises on her back, Roy. She’s terrified to go home when I’m not there. And the bastard thinks he can get away with it because he has some damn contract with you.”

Roy’s eyes narrowed, the lines in his face deepening. “Boyd’s not a man to cross lightly,” he said, his voice carefully measured. “He’s got power, connections. You go after him without thinking, and it’s your badge on the line. Your future.”

“I don’t care about any of that,” Gator snapped, his voice rising slightly before he reined it back in. “I care about Pearlie. She doesn’t deserve this.”

Roy studied him for a long moment, his gaze unreadable. “You really love her, don’t you?”

Gator’s jaw tightened, his eyes never leaving Pearlie’s figure across the room. “More than anything. I’d die for her if it meant she’d never have to feel scared again.”

Roy leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow exhale as he picked up his glass again. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But guts don’t always win the fight, son. Boyd’s a snake, and you don’t go after a snake without a plan.”

“So what’s the plan, then?” Gator asked, his voice sharp. “Because I’m not gonna sit around and wait for him to hurt her again.”

Roy took a sip of his whiskey, his gaze distant as he considered his words. “You’re gonna keep her close. Don’t let her out of your sight. I’ll start digging into Boyd’s dealings, see if there’s anything we can use against him. Something concrete. If he’s as untouchable as he likes to think, we’ll need leverage to bring him down.”

Gator’s stomach churned at the thought of working alongside his father, but he forced himself to nod. “Fine. But if he touches her again—”

“I know,” Roy interrupted, his tone cold and final. “You don’t have to tell me what you’ll do. But if you let your temper get the better of you, you’ll only make things worse. For you, and for her.”

Gator swallowed hard, his anger simmering just below the surface. He didn’t trust Roy, not fully, but he didn’t see another option. If getting his father involved meant protecting Pearlie, he’d do it. No matter how much it cost him.

“Keep her safe, Gator,” Roy said, his voice softer now, almost uncharacteristically so. “You’ve got more to lose than you realize.”

Gator didn’t respond, his eyes drifting back to Pearlie. She caught his gaze for a brief moment, offering him a small, tired smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. His chest tightened, the weight of the night settling heavily on his shoulders.

“I will,” he said quietly, more to himself than to Roy. “I’ll keep her safe. No matter what.”

Roy’s silence felt like an unspoken agreement, a tenuous truce forged in the name of protecting the one person who mattered most to Gator.

As the two men sat in the quiet tension of the bar, Gator’s resolve hardened. Boyd might think he was untouchable, but he’d underestimated just how far Gator was willing to go for Pearlie.

He’d make sure Boyd learned that lesson—one way or another.

Hours later, back at Boyd's the house was quiet, the kind of silence that made the creaks in the floorboards sound deafening. Gator moved carefully, his bare feet padding across the polished hardwood as he descended the grand staircase. The air in the mansion always felt cold, sterile, like the life it housed had been drained long ago.

Pearl was sound asleep upstairs, her soft breathing the last thing he’d heard before he’d slipped out of the room. She deserved to rest. To be at peace. That’s why he was doing this. That’s why he was creeping through the house like a thief, determined to find something—anything—that would give him leverage against Boyd.

He made his way toward Boyd’s office, the faint smell of cigars and leather lingering in the hallway. The door loomed ahead, slightly ajar, and he paused for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. If Boyd was hiding something, it would be here. Gator had no doubt about that.

He reached for the door handle, his palm sweaty, when a voice behind him froze him in his tracks.

“You don’t want to do that.”

Gator turned sharply, his pulse spiking, only to find Lu standing a few feet away, a plate of crackers and cheese in her hands. She was dressed in an oversized sweatshirt and shorts, her hair pulled back in a messy bun. She looked like she belonged anywhere but here, in Boyd’s cold and calculating domain.

“What the hell, Lu?” Gator hissed, his voice low. “What are you doing up?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” she said, setting the plate down on a nearby table. “But I think I already know.”

Gator narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening. “I need to find something on him. Something I can use to protect Pearl.”

Lu sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. “I get it. Trust me, I do. But you’re not gonna find it in there. At least, not without Boyd knowing.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, his suspicion mingling with curiosity.

“Pearl told me years ago,” Lu said, her voice softening. “That office has motion sensor cameras. They’re on whenever he’s not in there, especially at night. You step inside, and he’ll know.”

Gator swore under his breath, stepping back from the door like it had burned him. “How do you know that?”

Lu’s expression darkened, her usual sharpness giving way to something more vulnerable. “Because Pearl and I have been through this before. She told me everything. About the cameras, about Boyd’s rules, about how he controls her even when he’s not here.”

Gator leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. “She’s told you that much?”

Lu nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “We’ve been best friends since boarding school in California. Spent every summer together at my family’s place in Oregon. She was like my sister. Still is.”

Her voice wavered slightly as she continued. “I’ve known about the bruises, the rules, the way he tracks her every move. For years, I’ve wanted to kill him for what he’s done to her. But I can’t, Gator. I can’t. And it eats me alive every damn day.”

Gator’s fists clenched at his sides, his own frustration bubbling to the surface. “You’re not the only one,” he muttered. “I’ve never hated anyone as much as I hate him.”

Lu stepped closer, her gaze steady despite the emotion in her voice. “I know you love her, Gator. I see it every time you look at her. And I know you’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. But this isn’t the way. Boyd’s not just some rich asshole with a temper. He’s dangerous. You have to be smart about this.”

Gator looked away, his jaw tight. “I can’t just stand by and do nothing, Lu. Not after what I’ve seen. What she’s told me.”

“I’m not saying you do nothing,” she said, her voice firm. “But you can’t play his game without knowing the rules. You have to think like him. Be two steps ahead. And that starts with keeping yourself out of his crosshairs.”

He sighed, the weight of her words sinking in. “So what do I do?”

Lu’s lips pressed into a thin line as she considered his question. “You stay close to Pearl. You protect her in the ways you can. And you let me help. I know more about Boyd than he probably realizes. Maybe together, we can figure out how to take him down.”

Gator looked at her, searching her face for any sign of hesitation. He found none. “You’re serious?”

“As a heart attack,” Lu said, her voice tinged with determination. “I love Pearl like she’s my blood. I’d do anything for her. And if that means teaming up with you to take Boyd out of the picture, so be it.”

For the first time since the conversation began, Gator felt a flicker of hope. “Alright,” he said, his voice steady. “We’ll do this together.”

Lu nodded, a small, grim smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Damn right we will. But for now, get your ass back upstairs before Pearl wakes up and realizes you’re gone. The last thing she needs is another reason to worry.”

Gator hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Thanks, Lu.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” she said, her tone light but her eyes serious. “We’ve got a long way to go.”

As Gator made his way back upstairs, his mind raced with possibilities. He didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he wasn’t facing it alone.

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