Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“My tummy hurts,” she whispers.
“Um, I wonder if those cookies you stole out of the pantry have anything to do with that.”
I’ll be honest. I couldn’t even be mad at her when I found her cheeks full of chocolate chip cookies. Her little brown eyes sparkled with mischief as she tried to hide two more behind her back. I was going to place a lock on the door, but she may have learned her lesson.
I palm her forehead and kiss the top of her head. With a quick glance at my watch, I know I’m not going to make the party in time. True and Cat knocked out on the couch watching a movie the last time I saw them.
I could ask Rosy to get Vernice back to sleep for me, but I want to make sure she’s okay before I leave. I stand and lift her in my arms to carry her back to her room. She places her head on my shoulder and wraps her arms around my neck.
“I’ll get you back to bed and rub your tummy for you. How does that sound?”
“I love you, J,” she whispers.
“I love you too, princess. No more cookies without asking first though, okay?”
“Okay, promise.”
Yeah, her stomach must really hurt. I rub her back as I enter her room. This place is fit for a little princess, with pinks and purples all over the place. There are more toys in here than a toy store and I’d do it all over again if she wanted.
I place her back in the huge bed and pull the covers over her. She pats the space beside her with her little hand. Kicking off my shoes, I settle beside her and rub her little belly.
She reaches to cup my face and smiles up at me. I’ve known this little girl since she was a baby. Sometimes I think our bond is deeper because I’m the only father figure she’s ever truly known.
“You’re going outside?” she says.
“I’m going to see Miss Ven.”
She gasps and her eyes light up. Skittles volunteers at Maria’s house. The kids there love her. I’ve had guardianship of the kids for four months now, but they still spend a lot of time at the foundation for after-school programs and counseling.
“Can you tell her I said hi?”
“Of course.”
“She’s”—she yawns—“so pretty.”
I know she’s talking about Skittles, but Shawna’s face pops into my head. I’m looking forward to meeting her tonight. I’ve been so focused on getting the kids back. I’m not sure what happened with her.
Jeff only told me Skittles resolved the issue and the races were done. He didn’t win my money back and he doesn’t think the races will happen again. I vowed not to stick my nose into that.
I’m out and if I can find someone in the next six months, then I’ll be out for good. A grin comes to my lips as Vernice’s little snores greet my ears. I kiss her forehead and go to leave quietly.
“There you are. Let’s go,” Jeff calls from below as I walk across the catwalk.
“Shh,” I say, placing my finger over my lips.
The last thing I need is for him to wake everyone in the house. Rosy is here, but I’m sure she’s gone to bed. If this wasn’t for Skittles, I probably wouldn’t bother.
Lies. You want to see Shawna.
* * *
I sit in the back of my car, staring at Fuck Off. I came with Jeff, but I called Helios to come pick me up. Overhearing Deacon saying that Tak had left to take Shawna up to the cabin soured my mood.
Once Skittles pulled me aside to tell me what all has been going on, I knew I couldn’t stay and pretend to be fine. If Pit hadn’t confirmed I wouldn’t find Danny anywhere still breathing, I’d have his ass hanging from the top of the tallest building in Vander, ready to drop him.
I failed her. I wasn’t there. That motherfucker put his hands on her. I’ll never forgive myself for this.
I nod at Rosy’s reply to my text. The kids are all safe and in bed. Decision made, I text Helios the cabin’s address and settle back in my seat for the ride.
“Head to that address,” I say to him.
Shawna
Tak was nice enough to allow me to stop at my place to pack a few things. After, he brought me to this gorgeous place. Ven was right. It does have a sense of peace about it.
After showering and changing into a pair of sweat shorts and a tank top, I pad barefoot down to the kitchen and, to my surprise, find food as if someone stocked this place for a visit.
I’ve been a bit jumpy lately, so I startle when the doorbell rings. I chew slowly on the piece of bread I just put into my mouth. My heart races as I move to the door, searching with my gaze for a weapon on the way.