Page 29 of Ajax

“Yeah, I am. He’s a good man.”

“I don’t like this.”

For the first time in a long time, I feel like me. I never had trouble sticking up for myself in the past—Dad’s been my weak spot. But now I have something to look forward to.

“Maybe not, but it makes me happy. And I need this. I can’t stay here forever stuck cooking and cleaning for you two. I love you, Dad, but you’ve not been a good father.”

I push myself up onto my feet.

“Now, I’m going to grab a few things and head back to Ajax’s place until my shift tonight. Just so you know where I am.”

And then I leave my dazed father and brother at the table.

I’ve never felt so good in all my life.

THIRTEEN

AJAX

I’m watchingthe clock tick over.

How’s Ivy doing?

She left not long ago to get some things from her place—it won’t be her place for much longer. Reluctantly, I agreed for her to move in slowly over the week.

I’m impatient to start our new life together.

When there’s a tap on the door, I leap to my feet.

After getting to the door in record time, I tug it open. “You don’t have to knock.”

The redhead standing on the step grins. “Oh, I think I’m going to have to now.”

“Jessie girl.”

She laughs as I wrap my arms around her and lift her off the floor, giving her a spin. When she first came here, I wasn’t sure about her, but soon warmed up when I realised under all that bravado was a heart of gold.

“You weren’t at the house with the others, so I thought I’d come and check in on you.”

“Come in.” I take a step back and she walks into my living room, casting her gaze around before dropping onto the couch.

I join her on a nearby chair, and she leans forward.

“I’ve been told you have a new lady in your life.”

I chuckle. “So you’re here to get the gossip.”

She laces her fingers together. “I am. Especially as I’m told you’re moving her in. Are you sure you’re not rushing things?”

I shake my head. “It might seem like it, but I’ve had feelings for Ivy for a long time. Turns out she feels the same way. She needs me. And I need her.”

Jessie smiles. “If you’re happy, I’m happy. She seems nice. She reminds me a lot of Delaney.”

I chuckle. “As long as Cookie keeps his eyes off her.”

She laughs. “I think you’ll be fine. She’s made it very clear it’s only you for her.”

I raise my eyebrows. “You spoke to her?”

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