***Trigger Warning***

I storm after my father, my anger at an all time high. He's ruined a lot of things for me, but this was something more. My relationship with Lyra is something more.

I didn't care when he got me fired from my dream job because he thought it was taking up the time he felt I should be watching after Inara, or when he ruined my friendship with a good guy because he didn't like the fact that guy had been to jail. He was worried my friend would hurt Inara (even though he was in jail for shoplifting). I didn't even blink an eye when he made me cancel my birthday plans I'd been looking forward to for months so I could learn to fight in case I needed to protect Inara. None of that bothered me, but now he's messing with Lyra and I. That's something I won't tolerate. I only get one soulmate and he's not taking her away from me. Lyra is the first thing that's ever been mine and I'm keeping her.

I tried to pretend I didn't like her because he destroys everything that matters to me, but he somehow knew. I can't believe he had the audacity to talk about another girl in front of her! What makes it worse is he did it on purpose. He knew exactly what he was doing with that comment about a girl waiting for me.

When he's in my sights, I yell. "What were you thinking?!"

He looks at me out of the corners of his eyes, not even bothering to turn his body towards me. "What was I thinking? What were you thinking running around with that sleazy little nurse when you have a good girl back home?"

He's playing a dangerous game now. "Watch your mouth!"

He looks away, hopefully getting the message.

I clench my fists. "You know Stephanie and I aren't together. You tried to force me to like her, but guess what dad...I DON'T!"

He steps closer, challenging me. "You almost married her son."

I point a finger into his chest. "That was because you said her mother was a cruel woman and the only way to save her was to marry her."

He stares down at my finger and then back up at me. "So, why didn't you?"

My laugh sounds almost maniacal. "I found out you lied to me."

The horror on his face satisfies me. He knows he's been caught.

"What are you going on about? Lied to you about what?"

My finger goes from his chest to his face. "Everything."

I have been waiting for this moment, the moment where I can finally confront him about lying to me. "Her mother never abused her. On the contrary, she's actually an incredible mother. I spent a lot of time with Stepanhie and was confused when she kept talking about how close she and her mother are. So, I had an in-depth conversation with her about what you told me. Imagine my surprise when she told me everything you said was a lie. So, now I'm just wondering why you lied about that?"

His voice comes out a whisper. "You don't want to know."

"You're right, I don't. I'm asking because I'm uninterested." Sarcasm drips from my words.

He throws his hands up in the air. "You want to know the truth?! Fine!"

I impatiently motion for him to go on.

"If you don't marry Stephanie, it's going to be very bad for our family.

I sigh. "What does that even mean?"

He groans. "Can't you just believe me?"

I shake my head. "None of this makes any sense."

"I'm sorry, I can't explain." He runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "You were so close to marrying the girl, why the hesitation now?"

I can feel a presence behind me that demands my attention. I turn to see Lyra. I see something behind her eyes that's never been there before. Of course, of all moments for her to walk in, this is the one she chooses. Love my luck.

"Lyra, hey." I give her a small smile, trying to soften the blow. I know this isn't going to end well.

She debates answering me before finally saying. "Can I talk to you about something Mr. McGomery?"

My dad raises an eyebrow at her. "With me?"

"No, that's what she sometimes calls me." When she's mad at me, I add in my head.

I take my walk of shame to her and we leave my dad behind.

"Look, I'm sorry about..."

She stops me. "We can talk about it when we get home."

There's no point trying to do this in public, so I keep quiet the whole way home. I know better than to argue with her, she doesn't loose.

When I'm completely through the door she pounds against my chest. "What was that Mr. McGomery?!"

I grab her fists gently and pull her against my chest. "I, ummm..."

I could tell she was holding back her anger the whole time we were at the hospital and now she's at her boiling point. "I'm just your nurse and Inara's roommate?! That's how you introduce me to your parents?"

How can I explain this to her when I don't even have the answers myself? "I'm sorry, I know that sounded bad." She mumbles in agreement, which is cuter than she wants it to be. "You are so much more than my nurse, you're everything to me. I was afraid to include him in anything involving us. If my dad doesn't agree with something, he obliterates it beyond recognition."

She pushes away from me. "Why do you think he'd have an issue with you and I?"

This was the part I least wanted to talk about. "He has it in his mind I need to marry a girl from my hometown."

She grits her teeth. "I heard him saying you almost married her and he couldn't understand why you didn't. So, it seems to me, you saying I'm your first love was a boldface lie."

"I almost got married, but..."

She picks up a pillow from the couch and starts smacking me with it. "But?!!! How is there a but to that?"

I do my best not to laugh as I try to deflect her cushioned blows.

She eventually drops the pillow and stands with hands on her hips.

I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans. The way I handle this conversation could determine the direction of Lyra and I's relationship. "I never loved her, I was only marrying her because my dad begged me to. He told me that she was being abused by her mother and the only way to save her is if I marry her. He also said our family would be in danger if I didn't comply. I didn't know what else to do, so I agreed. When it came down to it though, I couldn't marry her. I ended things with her before I met you. Now, my dad's bitter towards me for it."

She studies my face before walking into the bedroom and sitting on my bed. She motions for me to join. I oblige. "I'm sorry, I should have let you explain before getting all defensive. I guess I'm still learning how to have faith in people again after everything Jeremiah lied about. Not that that's an excuse."

"I get it, I would've been mad if I were in your shoes too.

Lyra grins. "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that, but a little heads up, if you ever tell anyone I'm just your nurse again I'm going to dropkick you personally. I'm Inara's best friend and I'm the girl you take home every night, got it?"

I smirk as I nod in agreement. "It won't happen again."

She lays her head on my shoulder. "Tell me about what's going on with you and your dad?"

I'm caught off guard. I've never been asked that before. Nobody has gotten close enough to notice. I don't usually like to talk about it, but I'm so touched I tell her everything. "My dad has always been very protective of Inara, she's been the favorite since I can remember. He expects me to protect her too, which I'd do with or without him telling me to. It's only an issue when she makes a mistake and he always somehow finds a way to make it my fault. Like, when he found out she's been stripping he said I failed her. My whole life I've been trying to please him, but I never can. The final straw was when I found out he was trying to trick me into marrying a girl I didn't love. I called off the wedding and he and I have been fighting nonstop ever since."

She wraps her arms around my neck. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. He's an idiot for not seeing how great you are. You've always been enough for me."

Tears threaten to spill as I tighten my grip on her. She is my anchor in the storm that is my life. I realize more and more each day how much I need her.

When I'm sure I can keep my emotions in check, I kiss every inch of her face. "I love you." I whisper into her neck, causing a soft moan to escape her lips.

My phone rings, but I keep ahold of her, refusing to let it ruin the moment.

She laughs against me. "It's okay, get it. It might be about Inara."

I groan as I bring the phone to my ear. "Hello?"

"Hey Brexton." Harper's voice takes me by surprise.

Lyra looks at me with concern in her eyes. "Who is it?"

I move my lips to say Harper.

She reaches her hand out and whispers.
"Let me talk to her."

I slowly hand her the phone, afraid of what could happen next.

"Harper? It's Lyra. Since you're calling Brexton so late it must be important. Why don't you and I meet in person to talk about it? I actually have a few questions I've been dying to ask you."

Her eyes narrow as she listens to Harper's response.
"Great, I'll see you in 10."

I look at the girl who's so sweet to me and am caught by surprise. Lyra looks ready to murder.