**Brandon's POV**

*

Once I showed my kindness to her, she would get everyone's attention. My cruel father, my cranky brother Austin and that disgusting Abby would make her life a hundred times more miserable than it is now, or even kill her.

My poor girl, my Elizabeth, I knew she wanted more friends, but she had to learn to be strong and independent. If the role of a cruel man who taught her to be strong and independent had to appear in her life, I was willing to play it.

I had to pretend I did not care or even hate her to protect her, my mate.

Yes.Mate.

Two...