Page 157 of Bleed with Me

“Fuck,” I hissed, barely audible. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

“Dorian?” Aryna’s innocent voice cut through the fear hazing my brain.

“Yes, angel?” I smiled into the mirror, acting like everything was peach perfect.

“Can I call you ‘Daddy’ now?”

She caught me so unprepared that I almost hit the car in front of us. Her eyes widened, fear sneaking into her blue irises.

“Sorry,” I exhaled, turning to her. “I didn’t expect you to ask that.”

“I’ll just call you Dorian,” she whispered, squeezing the teddy bear for dear life.

“No.” I shook my head resolutely and took her tiny hand. “You can call me Daddy, okay?” The happy spark returned to her eyes. “I am your dad.”

She nodded eagerly, her face glowing like a Christmas tree.

“And I’m your daughter,” she said, grinning. My chest tightened so painfully I almost couldn’t breathe. I was becoming a father. “It’s green. You can go.”

“Of course.” I laughed, at least for a moment forgetting about the conversation that awaited me at home.

But the dread returned with full force when I stopped the car in front of my house. Aryna bounced on her feet like a yo-yo, running from flowerbeds to the backyard and between the trees as if it was the first time she saw a garden. I picked up her old Minnie Mouse backpack and waited patiently for her at the front door, while also making a mental note to buy her a new one. It barely held together.

“It’s so beautiful.” She spun around on the gravel road. “Do I really live here?”

“Yes.” I nodded, opening the door. “You really do.”

She ran inside past me and squealed in surprise. I hurried behind her, walking into the living room just in time to see Nina closing the tiniest, sexiest satin robe around herself to cover… well, something not suitable for Aryna’s eyes.

“Hello,” Nina exhaled, staring at me in evident shock. “I didn’t know we’d have company.”

Oh, fuck! She texted me, promising a surprise.

“I forgot to text you,” I said, placing my briefcase and Aryna’s backpack on the couch. “I’m sorry. It was a crazy day.”

“You can explain now,” Nina suggested, tightening the thin fabric around her body. “Or you know what?” She smiled forcefully at Aryna, who glanced at her curiously. “I need to change. Dorian, will you join me?” She pointed upstairs; her sharp look wasn’t taking no for an answer. “You can check the house, honey. And the food is in the kitchen.”

“Okay.” Aryna smiled brightly, already running toward where Nina pointed.

“Just be careful!” I yelled behind her. “And don’t touch the knives.”

She didn’t answer, so I sighed and dragged myself up the stairs into my bedroom.

“I can explain,” I said the moment we stepped inside and the door closed.

“Please, be so kind.” Nina crossed her arms over her chest. “Why is the little girl from your hospital in our house with a backpack? Are you having sleepovers?”

“She’s moving in.” I ripped off the bandage, hoping for the best. It was pointless to try to sugarcoat it.

“Moving in?” Nina echoed, incredulity dripping from her tongue. “Here. With you.” She stared at me as if I’d lost my mind. “With us.”

“Yes,” I confirmed, my heart thundering somewhere in my throat. “I know I should’ve told you sooner. I’m sorry… I…”

“I don’t understand you.” She raised her hand to stop me. “You make no sense.” Her frown deepened. “Moving in? A six-year-old girl?” She threw her arms into the air. “Why am I the last person to find out?”

“Nina, please.” I clasped my hands in a pleading gesture, inhaling deeply to calm myself a little. “Let me explain.”

She stared at me for a moment, biting her lower lip.