Page 15 of Parrish

“No, don’t be sorry,” I say quickly, lifting my eyes to hers. “It’s our reality.”

A sad reality filled with devastation but still ours.

“If you want, I’ll call Victor’s lawyer. He is actually familiar with the evidence surrounding Jack’s case because Anthony called him when they got locked up. If he can’t take on the work, I’m sure his son can. He’s looking to make a name for himself in his father’s firm.

“Yes,” I agree. “Do that so, when I present this to Jack, I know all the facts.” He’s not going to like me getting involved, but that’s too damn bad. The man wanted an old lady, well, he got himself one. The world might be his property but he’s mine and like him, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe even if the danger we’re fighting is his mind.

The muffled roar of Jack’s Harley sounds as I finish the last sip of coffee and glance up at the clock. Setting down my mug just as the engine dies, I turn back to Grace.

“Let’s keep this between us,” I tell her. “He’s going to come with me to pick Danny up from school. Can you call Victor’s attorney while we’re gone?”

“Absolutely,” she says as I push back my chair and bring my empty mug to the sink. As I turn on the water and begin to wash the mug, Jack strolls through the back door. One glance in his direction and I can tell something is wrong. The calmness he expressed before he left for the bar is gone. There is a look of madness coursing through his features and I know there’s a war raging inside his head. He bends to give Grace a kiss on the cheek before making his way towards me. Standing behind me he places one hand on my hip and pushes my hair over my shoulder with the other before pressing his lips to the shell of my ear.

Quickly, I shut the tap off and turn around to face him. My back presses against the edge of the sink and I lift my hands to his face. Eyes dark as night penetrate through me. It’s probably all this talk of him losing his mind, but I am starting to feel like he’s not seeing me at all.

“Me,” I murmur softly, touching my forehead to his.

“You,” he rasps. “Always you.”

“Stay in the light, Parrish,” I half plead, half demand. “Stay with me,” I whisper as I search his eyes hoping to find a spark of life. Releasing a ragged breath, he scrunches his face in pain—a sure sign he’s fending off the voices inside his head. It’s never easy watching the man I love battle his demons. In fact, I’m often haunted by the manic episode I first witnessed. He was in Junior’s room, watching a home video of his son blowing out the candles on his birthday cake and trying to find the courage to take his own life. It gutted me then, and it guts me now.

“Why don’t you go lay down? Rest your eyes, shut down your mind and that way when Danny comes home, you can spend time with him,” I suggest softly.

Expecting him to argue, he takes me by surprise when he tears his eyes away from mine and looks out the window. A beat passes before he gives in and nods his head.

“I wanted to pick him up from school one last time,” he says, giving me those eyes again. “I’ll be fine,” he assures me. “A quick nap and I’ll be good as new.”

“Okay, Jack,” I murmur softly, dropping a soft kiss to his lips. “I’ll go get our boy.”

“I’ll take a ride with you,” Grace offers, causing Jack to glance over his shoulder at her.

“Thanks, Grace,” he says before turning to me and giving me another kiss. “We’re still on for our date, Mrs. Parrish.”

“Jack—”

“Give me this, Reina,” he interrupts. “I know you don’t owe me a goddamn thing, but please give me tonight.”

I force a smile.

“You’re going to charm the pants right off me, aren’t you, Parrish?”

Light.

That’s what I’ve always been to him and that’s what I’ll continue to be.

His lips quirk as he leans closer and whispers against my ear.

“The scene in the bathroom this morning was nothing compared to what I’m going to do you tonight,” he promises, lowering his voice another octave. “You’re pussy better be ready for me, Reina. I’d hate to tear it up.”

Wrapping my arms around his waist, I tug him closer to me. He turns his head and our eyes meet. No longer dull, they shine with the promise of mischief.

“Every part of me was born ready for you, Parrish…especially that part of me.”

Light.

Always light.

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