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“Is he always like that?” I asked and she sighed.
“Yeah. But if anyone can help, it’s him.” She looked at William.
“How is Mama?” She asked.
“She is good. Do you want to see her? I can drive you in today for a visit. They didn’t need to transfer her to a bigger hospital.” She nodded as she got up and I skirted around the table to stop her.
“I just need to hold you for a minute,” I said softly and she smiled, wrapping her arms around my waist as I pulled her to me.
She felt so small and fragile in my arms but touching her made me feel more relaxed. She was safe. She was alive and I would make sure nothing happened to jeopardize that.
Even if it meant killing again.
Twenty one
Anya
Wewalkedoutofthe hospital, a weight gone from my shoulders after seeing Mama alive and well.
I was still reeling about this so-called arrangement that we were now in, with the three of them saying they were going to share me.
I was glad Mikhail would be here, it would allow me to talk to him about how they did things since his relationship was a complicated one with Rosslyn.
“Where to now, Filly? Do you want me to take you home or do you feel up to a meal and something to eat on our own?” William asked.
“I could eat. Is this your attempt at taking me on a date?” I teased and he grinned.
“No. I fully intend on taking you on a proper date once we get all this shit sorted with the ranch. Until then, I am just courting you.” He winked and I rolled my eyes.
“Isn’t that basically the same thing? And aren’t we doing it backward then? Sex before the dates?” I asked and he chuckled as he took my hand and led me down the road to Devils Diner.
“Kind of like dessert before the main meal. Nothing wrong with that.” He said with a grin, and I laughed.
It was hard not to enjoy being around him, even in the face of all this chaos, he was still happy and easy-going.
The smell of the burgers had my stomach rumbling as we went inside the diner. It hadn’t changed since it opened in the sixties, the décor outdated and the menu practically the same, but the food was damn good.
We sat in one of the booths at the rear of the building and he looked at me expectantly.
“What will you have?” He asked and I didn’t need to look at the menu to know what I wanted.
“Burger with the lot and fries. Plus, one of those cookies and cream-flavored milkshakes.” I added and he wagged his eyebrows.
“Going fancy I see.” He gave our order to a kid who looked barely old enough to work before he got up from his side of the table and shoved me over in the booth I sat in.
“What are you doing?” I asked as I slid over. He put his arm around the back of the seat, his hand brushing my shoulder.
“Sitting next to my girl.” He answered and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.
“I like it when you get nervous.” He said softly before he kissed my cheek.
“You make me feel nervous. I don’t know how to act around you. You could have any woman you wanted, why would you want someone who is nine years older than you and damaged goods?” I said before I could stop myself.
He touched my chin, guiding my face until I was looking at him.
“Don’t. I want you, Anya. Because I always have, and you are not damaged goods.” He kissed me, his lips lingering on mine.
“From now on, every time you say that I am going to kiss you and ask for something in compensation for talking so badly about my girlfriend.” He said and I stiffened at the term. Girlfriend.
