“Rock,” shouts Drifter. I look across at him and start laughing. They frown at me as if I’ve lost my mind, but I need to reassure Drifter that I’m not going to lose my shit. This scumbag in front of me isn’t worth losing the one thing that makes my life complete.
“By the way, keep her name out your mouth, or next time, you won’t be able to speak for a week,” I whisper just loud enough for him to hear. He lets out a shaky breath, and I know I’ve got him. “Oh, and keep your fucking hands off my daughter too,” I add. He pulls back his hand to hit me, but I grab it before it connects, shocking him.
“I’ll let you have that one for free, but next time, Mr. Parker, I won’t be so forgiving.” I wink at him before dropping his arm and walking back towards Drifter and Slayer.
“She’smyfucking daughter,” he yells at me.
“Not if you know what’s good for you, Mr. Parker,” I throw over my shoulder as we make our way down the steps and back to our motorcycles.
Slayer laughs. “Fuck, man, I thought you were gonna rip him a new one.”
Drifter pats me on the back. “Well done, brother.” It’s the only recognition I need from him.
CHAPTER EIGHT
LIZZY
There are times in life when you can be surrounded by people but still feel so alone, and right now is one of those times in my life. I feel more alone than I did when I was stuck in the back of my car with just my daughter for company. I have this overwhelming need to run, but I love Rock and I can’t imagine my life without him, which is the only reason I’m still here.
Meli sleeps soundly in her cot as I lie on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Darius has taken control of my entire life and still continues to have this hold over me. He’s always held the cards, and it makes me wonder if I will ever be truly free of him. The door opens slowly, and I close my eyes, making out that I’m asleep. It’s been my go-to lately so I don’t have to talk about how I’m feeling. The bed dips beside me and a gentle touch moves my hair away from my face.
“I can tell you aren’t sleeping, Red.” His gravelly voice draws my attention to him.
“Sorry.” I smile nervously.
“You never have to hide from me,” he says, his expression laced with sympathy.
“I . . . I wasn’t,” I lie even though I know he can read me like a book. He raises his eyebrow at me, and I let out a small sigh. “Sorry,” I say again, as I twist my hands in my lap. He places his over the top of my own to stop me.
“Look at me, Red.” I lift my gaze to his, and I immediately feel the tears pooling in my eyes. “You can stop stressing.”
“I can’t. He’ll never give up. He’ll never let me live my life,” I cry as tears begin to roll down my cheeks. He leans over, swiping them away with his thumb. “He’ll always be on my case. Maybe I’ll be better off gone,” I whimper. Rock lifts my chin so that I’m holding his gaze.
“Never ever speak like that again.” His voice is stern, and I offer him a sympathetic smile. “You’re mine now, and he will never hurt you the way he has been allowed to for all these years. You will never feel beaten down again. You’re my queen,” he announces, emphasising those last few words.
“Rock,” I whisper as a lump forms in my throat. I have never been idolised like this before and it makes my heart swell. “I love you.” He leans in, holding the side of my face tenderly, and places a kiss on my lips.
“We paid our favourite judge a little visit today, and you’ll never have to worry again,” he declares smugly and panic sets in. He must recognise the worry etched across my face as he quickly interjects, “Don’t panic. He’s still very much alive.”
“And walking?” I ask, apprehensive about his answer. He gives a huge grin that lights up his eyes.
“Of course. I was on my best behaviour.”
He leans over me, encasing my head with his arms as he nibbles on my ear. My whole body breaks out in goosebumps as I wiggle beneath him. He places delicate kisses along my neck, freeing my breasts from my silk vest top with his hand. I arch myback, itching for him to be closer. When he reaches down and takes my nipple in his mouth, it instinctively pebbles, and I let out a small whimper. Meli wails from across the room, and I sigh in frustration, the throb between my legs craving his touch. He releases me, kissing me lovingly before making his way over to where Meli cries out for attention. He lifts her into his arms, and she snuggles into his kutte, settling instantly.
“Princess, I love you, but could you not have just waited a little longer?” he whispers to her as he bounces her back and forth. She coos softly and wraps her little hand around his finger.
“I think you just got cockblocked by my daughter.” I laugh, getting up from the bed and fixing my top.
“It’s a good job I love her then, isn’t it? No one else would get away with that, I can assure you.” He winks across at me. “Go get that fine arse in the shower, I’ll grab her a bottle.” He turns and makes his way to leave.
“Rock,” I shout, just as he reaches the door. “Thank you . . . for everything.”
“Always,” he replies before gently closing the door behind him.
I turn on the shower,allowing the spray to warm up before climbing in. The warm water flows down my body, easing the stress of the last few days. Rock always seems to know what I need to make me feel better. He could have easily gone into Darius’s home and finished what he started, and I wouldn’t have blamed him at all. God, I wanted nothing more than to see the prick six feet under, but I also want a life with Rock, the life I’ve always been destined to have. The bathroom steams up as thefeelings that had been building up disappear along with the water down the drain.
This is exactly where I am supposed to be.
