Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
I changed shirts and headed to the kitchen. It was the last place I wanted to be, though I knew I had to. The boys would be disappointed if I didn’t eat. I’d learned that they liked doing things for me. Theodore had started doing chores around the house, which had prompted Sebastian to do the same. They always preened under the praise I heaped on them when everything was done when I came home. Lord knew Mark never did anything.
Sure enough, when I got to the kitchen, the boys stood there expectantly, waiting for my approval on the meal. Though I really didn’t want to eat, it looked good, and there was no way I’d disappoint them.
“Oh, my,” I said with a grin. “This looks and smells delicious.”
“We just heated it up,” Sebastian said. “But we made the plate for you in case you woke up hungry.”
“You have no idea how much I appreciate that,” I said, reaching for them. Both boys came into my arms, hugging me. “Thank you so much, guys.”
I ate while Sebastian talked. Carnage encouraged the talk and tried to get Theodore to say more. Surprisingly, the child told me about their afternoon, playing games with Gunnar.
“I think I like it here, Mom,” Theo said softly. “Not because of the games and stuff, but I like the people.” He glanced at Sebastian. “It feels safe.”
“Yeah,” Sebastian added with a scowl. “Not like when that asshole Mark came home. These guys would pound him if he hit you.”
I ducked my head. “I’m so sorry, guys. I messed up bringing Mark into our lives.”
Sebastian shrugged. “He was OK at first. I liked him.”
“Me too,” Theodore agreed. They had liked him. For a couple of weeks. Then the trouble had started.
“What’s this Chase guy like, Mom? Is he an asshole like Mark?”
I shook my head. “Not at all. In fact, you’ll probably like him.” It took a lot to admit that. It was the truth, but I had some hard feelings.
“If he’s such a good guy,” Theodore asked, his gaze leveled on me. “Then why did he leave us?”
With a sigh, I shook my head. “Me and your birth mom weren’t exactly nice to him. He probably thought he didn’t have a choice. That we wouldn’t want him in your lives.” Theodore just shook his head, as if he wasn’t buying it.
“All right,” Carnage interrupted. “I think it’s time for bed. While your mom’s finishing up, let’s go make your fort.”
“Are you staying with us tonight?” Sebastian looked at Carnage, a hopeful expression on his face.
“I might stay in the living room. You can leave the door open if you want. But I’ll give you and your mom some privacy.”
“You can stay in Mommy’s room with us if you want.” Sebastian looked from Carnage to Theodore. Probably hoping to get some support from Theo.
“Yeah,” his brother agreed, surprising me. “You could stay with Mom. Make sure she’s OK.”
Carnage shook his head. “Afraid that’s your job tonight. If she needs someone, you’ll be right there.”
Theodore pursed his lips disapprovingly. “If you say so.” Then he turned to go into the bedroom.
“Finish up,” Carnage said as he laid a hand on my shoulder. Then he leaned in and kissed my temple. I shivered in awareness, unable to compartmentalize that kiss we’d shared. I wanted to see what would happen if I let this guy have me. I mean, it wasn’t happening. That was obvious. But I wanted it to. Carnage, on the other hand, seemed confident he’d get me to yes. The only question was when.
Once the boys were gone, I cleaned up my supper. Hadn’t been very hungry anyway. Too much to think about. My life was on a roller coaster, and I had no idea how to get off. I took my time going back to my room. I needed the boys close, but I needed some time on my own to think.
When I wandered into the bedroom, I found Carnage and the boys putting the finishing touches on the blanket fort. Sebastian was tucking a sleeping bag and pillow on one side while Theo crawled into his on the other.
“Are you sure you won’t stay with us?” Sebastian was using his best wheedling voice on Carnage. I’d heard that voice many times over the years.
“Sorry, kid. Your mama wouldn’t want me in here.”
“Why not? Mark stayed with her all the time. And you’re way better’n him.”
“That’s different, Sebastian. Right now, it needs to be you guys and your mom. I’ll be in the other room, though. All you have to do is call out or come get me.”
“Whatever,” Theo said, covering up and lying down, his back to Carnage.
“Theodore,” I chastised gently. “It’s better if he sleeps in the other room.”
“No, it’s not. When he’s here, we’re all safe. He’s not like Mark. He’s not a taker. He’s a protector. If you keep him out, he can’t protect us.”