Page 15 of Through the Fire

“Yes. Do you forgive me?”

She nodded. “I do. You’re not forcing me to do anything. I’m here because I want to be. I just want to help.”

I placed my forehead on hers. “I know but you’ve already done so much to help us.”

Before I could continue, she said, “And I’ll do more. I’ll do whatever I can.”

Her confession had me wrapping my arms around her, securing her against my chest, and burying my lips on top of hers. I was trying to fight this, but it came so naturally that it felt like war with myself to go against my very nature.

“I’m afraid that pursuing this makes me weak because all my focus should be on my daughter and making sure she feels loved right now. You see how the woman who brought her into this world treats her… The last thing I want to do is fail my daughter.”

Island placed a hand on my cheek. “You won’t fail her, and you’re not weak for being human. You’re a single father with a demanding job. Of course, you can’t keep your house in tip-top shape. Of course, you need a break sometimes. Of course, you want someone to share your admiration of your daughter with.” She clasped our hands together. “It will take time to trust me, but I would never treat Shyla like her mother did. It’s not even in my nature.”

Her understanding put my body at ease.

“I want you to know this is not easy for me either. I’ve lost two lovers, and I’m afraid if I let you in, I will lose another.”

I always knew there was a reason Island was so guarded around me, but now it made sense. She knew all about heartbreak. She knew how hard it could be to bounce back from it too.

“I’m not going anywhere, Island.”

I lifted her hand to my lips and gently kissed her knuckles. A shiver ran down her spine, but she kept still for the most part. I could feel her heart racing. It took a lot for her to share even that little glimpse of her pain with me. If she was willing to be brave, I could meet her halfway.

* * *

I was gentlyshaken awake from my slumber. I yawned, stretching my arms over my head. When my eyes finally cracked open, I found Island standing over the bed. Her hair was up in a bun now, and her jacket was long gone.

“I came to tell you everything was done and that I’m about to leave.”

I sat up quickly. “Huh? Leave? What? Why?”

I was still half asleep, so my mind wasn’t processing things as quickly. Eyeing the clock on my nightstand, I saw it was after midnight.

“Why do you have to leave? It’s late. Just stay the night.”

She stood there shuffling from side to side with a hand hooked around her elbow. I didn’t give her time to start questioning and overthinking everything because I snatched her into the bed by her waist. She giggled, but thankfully, she didn’t put up a fight. With a huff, she made a request.

“Can I at least get something to sleep in?”

I nodded. “Absolutely.”

Climbing out of bed, I headed to my dresser and pulled out a Rosewind Fire shirt. I tossed it to her and pointed to the bathroom so she could have some privacy. I got back under the covers and waited for her to come back. I lay on my side with my head propped on my hand as she came waltzing back into the room.

I already had the sheets pulled back for her, so she slid in right next to me. I inched closer until I was right behind her soft body. I placed my nose in the crook of her neck and inhaled. When I was exhaling, I moaned without shame.

“That’s better. You belong right here.”

My hands began an exploration of her frame. I loved the way she fit into my hands, especially those titties. I didn’t remember anything else after I started massaging them. The heat of her body paired with how good she felt knocked me right the fuck out. That’s how I lowkey knew she was the one for me. She didn’t even give me no pussy but had me drooling out the side of my mouth when I woke up the next morning.

Ibobbed my head to the music while trailing Shy Shy. We were in Downtown Rosewind for the Spring Fling carnival, and my baby was a ball of excitement. Her attention span had her running from one attraction to the next without pause. I was ready for my mama to show up so I could get her back for the time she left with me her hyper granddaughter.

“Daddy, look. It’s Ms. Island.”

Shy Shy pointed directly ahead of us, and sure enough, it was Ms. Island with her sexy ass. She and Jayce were walking off a ride, laughing without a care in the world. I paused in place admiring how bubbly she looked. She was typically so guarded that it warmed me to see what she looked like in a moment of unguarded joy.

I was distracted by how radiant Island looked when the sun shined on her cinnamon complexion. Her hair was down in pretty curls, and her long, olive-colored dress clung to every inch of her frame despite the jean jacket she wore over it. I wasn’t able to stop Shy Shy before she went racing over. I maneuvered through the crowd, making it over as she approached the siblings. Island opened her arms for a hug, and Shyla walked straight into them.

Her eyes searched for me. She smiled and waved when she saw me close the distance between us.

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