The timing, combined with his recent inability to reach Colleen, made Brady’s chest tighten. Something felt off.
He closed the distance in seconds, all the while composing himself.
By the time he reached Nelson, Brady’s expression was calm and respectful. He extended his hand, composed but alert.
“Hello, Mr. Hayes.”
Nelson turned, arching a brow. “Oh? You know who I am?”
Brady gave a respectful nod. “We met at Colleen’s birthday party.”
“Right…” Nelson’s gaze sharpened. “Back then, Colleen said you were Hadley’s brother.”
“Yes.”
Nelson let out a short breath and then waved a hand dismissively. “I didn’t come here to reminisce.” His tone turned cold. “I came to tell you—stay away from my sister. Got it?”
Brady blinked, thrown off balance. A flicker of confusion passed through his eyes. “Care to explain why?”
“Why?” Nelson echoed with a bitter smirk, his voice dripping with disdain. “Because our family doesn’t approve of you being with Colleen. Is that clear enough?”
Brady’s brows knitted. “But… why?”
Nelson’s patience thinned, irritation simmering just beneath the surface. “Do I really have to spell it out for you? You’re not good enough. Simple as that. Your family’s shameful past speaks for itself. And you think we’ll let Colleen get dragged into that mess?”
Brady stiffened, shaking his head. “You’ve got it wrong. Colleen and I—what we have is real.”
“Spare me that crap!” Nelson scoffed.
Dive into tales at gα? ησ ν s, com
He had heard enough. He wasn’t here to debate feelings or intentions—he was here with a purpose, one assigned by his mother herself.
“Real? You’re kids playing at love. You think feelings are enough?” Nelson sneered.
“I’m not playing!” Brady’s voice rose, driven by conviction. “I care about her. I’m serious—”
“Enough!” Nelson cut him off with a laugh, sharp and dismissive. “You’re still green, boy. You haven’t lived long enough to understand commitment. When you’re bored, what then? Toss her aside like yesterday’s news?”
He stepped closer, voice low and bitter. “Colleen might be naive enough to trust you. But with a father like yours, how could you ever be reliable?”
“I’m not my father!” Brady shot back, his voice tight. “I won’t—”
“Don’t bother.” Nelson raised a hand, silencing him with cold finality. “Argue all you want—it won’t change a thing!”
Nelson’s tone was sharp, his words cutting. “Our family will never accept you. From this moment on, it’s over between you and Colleen. No contact. Not a call, not a message. And if I catch you near her again…” He glanced over his shoulder, jerking his chin toward the men behind him, a smirk curling across his lips. “Let’s just say, I won’t be so civil next time. Got it?”
Brady stood frozen, disbelief twisting in his gut. Was that… a threat? Was Nelson seriously threatening to have him beaten?
.
.
.