AllFreeNovel
Share Us
No one takes what’s mine away from me. No one threatens me.
I’ll end them all, and as I’m staining my hands red with their blood, Tillie won’t be able to do anything. I have her right where I want her.
Logan
Istand on Dom’s back patio. I take in the tan sandstone under my feet, the glistening pool of salt water, and the view of the ocean beyond that. There’s a wooden arch over my head that covers half the patio with hanging greenery along with blooming bright flowers. A long table and chairs cover the other half of the patio, next to a massive brick fireplace. Bright red and pink flowers with flowing green vines crawl along the walls, through the beams, and leave a sweet, earthly fragrance behind as I take a deep breath.
I won’t ever admit it, but Dom has some good taste. It’s like the outside world doesn’t exist here; it’s just an open view of the ocean with gentle waves lapping at the sandy shore. As if we aren’t in California, surrendered by crime from all sides the minute you step outside in the front. I like it back here. It’s a false sense of belief that everything can be calm as long as you don’t turn around.
“It’s lovely, yes?” The soft, calm voice behind me catches me by surprise as I watch the figure of a woman stop at my side.
“You have a beautiful home,” I grumble, seeking aglance at Dom’s grandma as she sets a tray of iced lemonade and limes floating in the glasses.
“Si. Gracias. My grandbaby has been taking care of me for a long time, even when I begged him not to. A child shouldn’t have so many responsibilities at such a young age. When he asked me to move in, I took the guest house to give him privacy since he’s a young man who shouldn’t have a hovering grandma around all the time. Would you like some sweet limonada?” Isabella gestures towards the tray and scoffs as I remain frozen in my spot before she shoves a glass in my hand.
“Thanks.” I croak out, sipping the cooling drink, and I'm damn glad I have my sunglasses on so she can’t look into my eyes and see how uncomfortable I am.
I don’t understand why she’s being so nice to me. Unless she doesn’t know that Franco killed her son? Jesus.
“My Dom is a lot like you, you know? Both of you are strong-headed, stubborn, and grew up without a loving father.” She gazes at me, quickening an eyebrow as I sputter on the sip I just took.
“You know?” I rasp, setting my drink down and glaring at the stone squares beneath my feet.
I feel uncomfortable in my own clothing, itchy as if bugs are crawling over my skin. Everything feels too tight. I unloop the buttons of my long white button-up shirt and uncuff the sleeves.
“And I don’t blame you. You were just a child with the world on your shoulders,” she says, placing her hand on my shoulder with a small pat. “You aren’t responsible for another man's actions. Life has dealt you unfair cards, and I’m sorry for that.”
My head snaps up, I’m completely speechless.
“I- I’m not sure what to say.” I clear my throat, glancingaround, and sigh with relief as Tillie walks out onto the patio from the French doors of the kitchen.
“Nothing to say. Just don’t apologize to me unless you are the man who committed unforgivable actions. Also, don’t let that one get away. She’s a keeper.” Isabella pats and kisses my cheek as she stands on her toes while pulling me down to her short height.
She walks away, mumbling something to Tillie about needing to eat more as she passes her. I don’t move; I'm still hunched over in disbelief. Is it really that simple? To move on when all you do is feel responsible for everyone, even if you didn't pull the trigger?
"Are you okay, Lo?” Tillie hesitantly asks as she wraps her arms around my neck and smiles at me.
God. She really covers me in sunshine and warmth every time she’s around. I soak it up even when I feel I don’t deserve her.
“I’m fine, baby girl. Did you have a good day with Tey?” I ask with a shake of my head as I smooth her wild, wind-blown hair back from her forehead with my palm and continue to do so as a blissful grin spreads across her face and her eyes slowly close.
“It was… everything. I met all the kids Tey helps take care of and may have promised to have his children. I think he thought right now, so maybe you guys can talk some sense into him for me before I end up pregnant by next month.” She hums under her breath, at peace, as I sway us back and forth while laying my head on top of hers to hide my grin.
If she thinks I can talk sense into Tey, then she honestly doesn’t acknowledge that she’s jumped off the deep end with him by starting the ball rolling on the baby express.
“Don’t let him near any sort of birth control. I wouldn’tbe surprised if he starts tracking when you're ovulating. He’s always wanted to have children.” I chuckle as she groans out loud and places her hands on my chest to look up at me, putting space between us.
“This is all my fault. It’s like, I can’t say no to him. I want kids one day, but not now. You’ll have to talk me off the baby-making ledge.” She stares at me with her head tilted and bites her lush bottom lip. “Do you want children one day?”
I can feel my body tense up, and I know she takes it the wrong way when she drops her arms and steps back. I grab her wrists quickly and place them back on my chest, over my pounding heart, so she can’t get away.
“I never thought about it, honestly. I’m not sure… if I would be a good father. I haven’t had the best role model in that department.” I wince, tilting my head up and squinting as the sun blinds me and I blow out a breath. “It scares me too. You talk about me being in your future, and I’m afraid I’ll fuck it up one day.”
She doesn’t say anything for a minute, and I have to glance back down to see her expression because I can’t handle the quiet.
“For a man who’s so smart, sometimes you're an idiot. Lo…” She takes a deep breath and moves closer until the heat from her body warms me. “You and me, we are forever. I know you’ll fuck up in the near future, but so will I. We are in this together.”
I bend down and crush my lips against hers, devouring her mouth with every flick of my tongue against hers. I know my grip is bruising her wrist, but I can’t let go. I need her always, like I’m sinking in quicksand and she’s my only lifeline to pull me free. If she isn’t plastered to my side constantly, I start freaking the fuck out and thencomes the disturbing thoughts I’m going to lose her. Tilting my head, I take her bottom, plump lip between my teeth with a deep growl as I tug before smoothing my tongue along her bruised lip. She whimpers needily as I pull away, trying to memorize the way her eyes are softly closed and her red lips are still parted and swollen from my kisses.
