Page 76 of Saving You Losing Me

Most of the time, I remain in this apartment. I’m not a prisoner, but the place terrifies me if I’m honest. Atom lives here and I’m not strong enough to experience his indifference toward me and if I saw him with another woman, it would kill me inside.

A loud knock on the door has me wiping my hands on the towel and heading across, expecting to see Candy bearing even more gifts for the girls. Not a day goes by when she doesn’t bring them something, armed with goodies and a brilliant smile. Clothes, toys, candy and cookies. It could be anything. She has been so kind, and my stay here wouldn’t be as pleasurable without her.

As I swing the door open, my bright smile fades to astonishment as Atom fills the doorway, his dark presence inwardly bringing me to my knees.

Even now, I want him. He was always so devilishly attractive. His wicked smile and lustful eyes were always my undoing, and his battered leather jacket and tight t-shirt strained against a chest that brought me to my knees. He hasn’t changed a bit. Even his hair is still wild as it hangs longer than most, framing the most bewitching eyes.

“Atom.” I whisper, the word catching on my throat and he nods, no emotion on his expression at all as he glances past me at my girls who are staring at him in fascination.

I stutter, “Um, well, won’t you come in?”

I hold the door a little wider as he nods, inching past me into the room, filling the small space with his huge personality and lust-worthy body. My mouth dries as I lick my bottom lip, mildly aware I left the makeup off today. The bruises on my face are only slightly visible now and I explained them away to my girls as a fall when I ran to escape the fire.

It’s awkward as fuck as Atom nods to Sophia and smiles as Maria stands before him, her eyes wide and her mouth open.

“You’re big.” She gasps and before I can say anything, he drops to his knees, so he’s almost her height and says with a warm smile, “I’m Atom. What’s your name, angel?”

“No, I’m not angel, I’m Maria.” She lisps, and he chuckles softly.

“That’s a pretty name.”

“I like yours too.” She reaches out and touches his unshaven jaw and giggles. “You’re scratchy.”

Sophia joins in. “Are you a friend of Diesel?”

“Of course.”

“I like Diesel.” Maria adds, staring at Atom with curiosity.

Sophia grins. “And Candy. They are our friends.”

“Do you have room for more friends, or is membership closed?” Atom surprises me by saying and the girls share a look and then nod vigorously.

“You can be our friend.”

For some reason, their innocent faces smiling at Atom causes my heart to break. Tears fill my eyes as everything I love is in the same room, a sweet memory that I will cherish forever, whatever happens.

Atom remains kneeling and says softly, “Do you like it here?”

They nod their heads. “Yes!” Both answer at once and he laughs.

“Good answer.”

He stands and heads over to the window that overlooks the yard and points to the swing tire.

“You know, we could arrange for a slide if you like, possibly even a trampoline.”

“Yay!” Both girls jump on the spot and clap their hands and he catches my eye and the soft expression he directed toward the girls freezes on contact with mine.

He jerks his head toward the door and my heart sinks.

“Girls, your lunch is ready. Wash your hands and take your seats at the table. I won’t be long.”

I hastily place their sandwiches and chips on the wooden table and Sophia says loudly, “Can Atom stay and have lunch too, mommy?”

“Please mommy.” Maria’s sweet voice rings out and Atom replies gently.

“Another day, girls. I have equipment to buy, after all.”

---