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She abruptly collapsed onto my chest and rubbed her cheek against me. “Sometimes it feels like the whole world is against me, like I’m trapped in some alternate universe where everyone is more apt to be evil than good.”
I sighed, her curls moving against my lips as she rose with my breath. “I promise you, as long as I’m around no one will hurt you, ever.”
The flickering light of the screen illuminated her face as she leaned up on my torso on one hand. “You must think I’m very naïve, not even considering the obvious dangers all around me.”
“No, I think you have a good heart, and you haven’t lived a life where you needed to be afraid. I’m glad you grew up safe, I’m glad you had a normal-ish childhood.”
She stroked my chest with a troubled smile. “Normal-ish?”
“Don’t forget, I’ve met your family.”
“Good point.” She nuzzled her nose against my neck, then licked my skin in a way that had blood rushing to my cock.
“Stop,” I groaned. “It’s been three days since we’ve had sex.”
Laughing, she tried to push me off her. “Whatever. You’ve had four pity blowjobs.”
I had, and they were damn good. “I’d return the favor if you let me.”
She made an icked out face. “You’re nasty.”
“Yep.”
Quieting beneath me, she searched my face while exploring the muscles over my ribs with a soft touch. “Turn off the TV, I’m sleepy.”
I got out of bed and did as she asked, returning after I’d brushed my teeth. A soft rush of air scented like my cologne mixed with her perfume washed over me as I lifted covers, then cuddled into my girl. She squirmed against me, but soon settled then whispered, “I tried to get Hannah to talk about what’s going on with her and Leo today. She wouldn’t tell me anything. I feel bad for the poor guy. He’s obviously hurting, and I don’t understand why she’s so mad at him. Did he do something bad? Did he cheat on her?”
“What? No. Leo worships her. Whatever is going on, it’s between them, mami.”
“But she’s my best friend.”
“Then why haven’t you told her about us yet?”
“I don’t know…” she was quiet for a few moments and I wondered if she’d fallen asleep before she said, “To be honest, I don’t think she’s your biggest fan right now. Whatever Leo did to piss her off seems to extend to you and your brothers.”
“I have no idea. While we’ve hung out, we aren’t exactly besties like you two.”
“Besties,” she snorted. “Anyway, I’m worried about her. I mean, she’s almost totally healed and should be eager to get back to Leo’s place, but it seems like she has no desire to go. Which doesn’t make any sense, because Leo’s house is all kinds of awesome, and he can’t wait for her to come home. He doesn’t say it, but I can tell he misses her so much. I wish she’d just talk to me.”
If Joy knew how fucked up things were between Hannah and Leo right now, she’d be making a run for the police with Hannah thrown over her shoulder. “Give her time. I’m sure whatever happened between Hannah and Leo will work itself out.”
“I hope so. They’re both so miserable apart.” She yawned. “Night, honey.”
I held her close and felt her finally relax. “Night, sweetheart.”
A firm knock on my door woke me early the next morning, and a still sleeping Joy grumbled in my arms.
Her hair was a wild riot of curls this morning, and so soft it was like touching baby duck down. She was on top of me, draped over my body, her preferred place to lounge. I loved the feeling of her soft warmth pressing into me. Irritation pierced me as the knock came again. I gently moved her off me, her adorable whining protests dying off as I tucked her back in before putting on my boxers then going to my bedroom door.
The place was big enough that by the time I got to the door, someone was about to get their damn arm ripped off for knocking louder. I wanted to send whoever it was away before they woke up Joy. I was going to take a rare day off and spend it with her, sleeping and cuddling in bed. I had plans to take her furniture shopping for our home later in the day, and I wanted to somehow make up for her having to miss out on her last month of school.
After unlocking the various bolts on my steel-reinforced door, I swung it open to reveal my father, who looked absolutely furious. Dressed in his usual dark suit and immaculate tie, he appeared every inch the powerful businessman, but a sheen of perspiration dotted his brow, and his fists were clenched at his sides, knuckles torn and his cuffs saturated with blood. My dad ran the legit side of our empire—he has more patience and tact than my mother—so many people assume he’s not as violent as she is. They’d be wrong.
