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“Allison just has to grab her things and then we can spend the afternoon swimming.” Amelia squeals and jumps on the spot clapping her hands. Allison says nothing as she makes her way toward her room to grab whatever it is she needs. She should be on her knees fucking thanking for me letting her come and not taking Amelia from her now. The truth is the anguish in my daughter’s tone is what gave me pause. Kiara had scolded me and told me that I couldn’t just rip her away from the only parent she has known, but I ignored her. I’m Amelia’s father and I should know what’s best for her, not some washed-up collage drop out playing house with my kid.
* * *
The ride to my house is tense. Allison rides shotgun whilst Amelia is in back. I was fucking shocked when she walked out of her place with a child seat and argued with me right in front of Amelia that if I didn’t put it in my car that Amelia would not be going. The bitch knew I wouldn’t say or do anything to her in front of my kid. She’ll pay for that stunt later.
“Wow, it’s soooooo pretty.” Her approval of my house has warmth filling inside me.
“Wait till you see the pool. It’s wicked,” I answer. Allison scoffs and mumbles under her breath. I glare at the side of her head. I park behind Bishop’s car and hop out. With it being a Friday, I know Kiara and the twins are back for the weekend from school. I freeze as I open my door and pray that Bishop and she aren’t fucking on the kitchen island like last weekend. That is a sight I wish I could bleach from my eyes, seeing my brothers naked ass isn’t something I ever want to see again. I round the car to Amelia’s side ready to grab her out, except fucking Allison beat me to it. She places Amelia on the ground beside her and when she meets my stare she just shrugs before looking down at my girl.
“Mela, why don’t you go with King and I’ll grab our bags.” My heart soars when she nods eagerly. She rushes over and grips my hand in her tiny one, only managing to hold onto a finger.
“I ready.” I smile down at her. I want nothing more than to reach down and pick her up so I can hold her close to me, but I also don’t want to scare the shit out of her. As far as she is concerned, I’m some stranger her aunt has brought over and that’s it. I walk toward the house and feel Allison hot on my heels. I wish she would have stayed fucking home but after how Amelia reacted earlier, I know that wasn’t going to happen. I push the door and call out, no one answers and I don’t hear any moaning so I’m fucking grateful. I lead them through the living room and straight out the back door to the pool. I find, Bishop, Kiara and the twins out here. The twins and Kiara are in the pool. Bishop stands on the side in his usual suit glaring down at his wife, he hates that her and the twins are close—she seems to be the only one Knight will let close to him since he got shot. He’s kept all of us, including Rook, at arm’s length. He’s out for the season and doesn’t even seem bothered he won’t play for the football team. Their laughter all dies off as Bishop turns to me and clears his throat. The silences stretches as the four of them stare at the little girl at my side. I feel Amelia pull away and it guts me when I see her rush toward Allison, then hide behind her.
“Mela,” Allison says and she bends down to her knees to face Mela with her back turned to my family, stupid woman. That is her first mistake. She should never turn her back on us, it could lead to her having a bullet in the back of her head. “Remember what we talked about?” Amelia nods but keeps her gaze on the ground. Rook swims to edge of the pool and climbs out, dripping water everywhere. He moves toward us and I pin him with a warning look. If he does anything to fuck this up for me, I’ll beat his ass and make him regret the day he took his first breath. He ignores the look and moves to stand beside Allison. Both of them look up and Allison quickly jumps to her feet when she realizes it isn’t me. I don’t know why that fucking thought has me feeling slightly miffed.
“Now, who is this beautiful girl in the pretty pink swim suit?” Amelia looks up at Rook with stars in her eyes. It pisses me off that she smiles at him freely but is reserved with me. Rook turns to Allison and smiles. She returns it with a timid one of her own. “And who might this stunning masterpiece be?” I sneer at him but he ignores me.
“I’m Allison.” She pulls Amelia into her side. “And this is Mela.” Rook crouches down in front of his niece. I hold my breath waiting for him to announce himself as her uncle. I don’t know if she would be able to handle knowing the truth yet, but she will in time.
“I’m Rook.” Amelia looks up to Allison with a look on her face that I can’t read. Allison nods her head encouragingly.
“Hi,” my girl whispers shyly.
“Want to come for a swim?” Amelia nods enthusiastically. Rook reaches for her but Allison halts him with her words.
“She needs her floaties, just give me a minute.” Rook nods and waits for Allison to dig through her bag and grab out these weird looking things that she slips on her arms. She nods to Rook, letting him know she is ready. My brother doesn’t hesitate as he scoops her into his arms and takes off toward the pool. Panic swells inside me at the thought of him slipping with my daughter in his arms. At the sound of Allison’s quiet laugh I cut my gaze to her and narrow my eyes as she shakes her head.
“What?” I snap.
“It sucks, doesn’t it?”
“What does?”
“How easily worrying comes.” I huff out a breath.
“Does it ever go away?” She shakes her head as she quietly says,
“No, it gets worse the older they get.” Before I can have a go at her, Bishop helps Kiara from the pool and wraps a towel around her before they make their way toward us. I have no idea if Allison notices or not but she leans closer to me. Bishop and Kiara stop a few feet away. We stand here in awkward silence for a moment before Kiara rolls her eyes and steps forward with her hand extended toward Allison.
“I’m Kiara and this big brute is Bishop.” Allison smiles warmly and shakes Kiara’s hand.
“I’m Allison.” Kiara rolls her eyes playfully as she steps back and snuggles into Bishop’s side. A pang of envy shoots through me at the sight of them.
“We know,” Kiara says, followed by a laugh. Allison furrows her brow at her.
“You do?” I grit my teeth in annoyance.
“We have heard a lot about you, girl. Now, why don’t you come with me and I’ll show you where to change while these guys talk about our asses as we walk away?” Allison chokes on air and her eyes widen as she shakes her head.
“I didn’t bring a suit.” Kiara shrugs, grips Allison’s hand and starts to lead her away.
“You can borrow one of mine.” Allison yanks Kiara to a halt and turns back to me.
“Can you… can you please… watch her?” I glare down at her ready to tell her where to go before Bishop cuts me off.
“You have my word, she will be safe.” Bishop’s words seem to put her at ease. She smiles her thanks him and nods before following Kiara toward the pool house.
Chapter5
