Page 115 of Losing Faith

“I’m not ababy.”

“Sure you are.” She blows a raspberry in her neck and the room fills with Belle’s laugh. “Such a cute baby,” Lisette teases as she shifts her in her arms so she’s cradling her like an infant.

“Aww, look at the baby,” I join, taking a video of Belle.

“Stop it,” she protests, but a smile is on her face against her clear efforts. “I’m a big girl.”

“How old is she?” Lisette asks as she rocks Belle in her arms. “One years old?”

“Yeah, itlookslike she’s one.” I squeeze Belle’s cheeks.

“I’m five! Put me down right now.”

Her bedroom fills with Lisette’s laugh as I lean over to blow a raspberry in the crease of Belle’s neck. She shifts frantically, and when I notice Lisette struggling to hold her, I step behind her and place an arm around both of them to support Belle from falling as she squirms.

“Look how cute the baby is when she’s sleeping,” I tease again and Belle shouts that she’s awake, but we ignore her with a laugh as I point the video at the mirror. In my reflection, Lisette stares at me and my arms around them.

Her smile slips an inch before she looks down at Belle. “I love you.” She moves one of her braids from her face, her voice full of so much admiration.

Belle looks very unamused as she watches us. “I would love you more if you didn’t treat me like a baby.”

Lisette stifles a laugh before kissing her forehead. “My sweet baby.”

Belle groans, her eyes damn nearing rolling to the back of her head and we let out a laugh. Lisette sets her down just as the door rings.

“Abuela’s here.” Belle takes off running and I can see Lisette let out a defeated breath.

“I should go.”

I quickly step in her way. “My mom will think it’s rude or that something is wrong if you leave just as she got here. Just stay,” I plead.

“No offense, but I don’t really care what she thinks, JJ.”

Surprisingly, I’m not offended.

“I told you I was leaving before they got here, and you’ve been stalling all day.”

I grab her wrist. “Stop overthinking this.” I quickly steal a kiss. “I told my mom a friend was going to be here. She won’t think much of it. This isn’t a meet my mom as my girlfriend thing.”

A smile grows on her face as she rolls her eyes at me. “You kiss all yourfriends?”

“Only a handful,” I tease before kissing her again.

Her eyes narrow on me, but I see the moment she gives in. “Fine. Whatever. It’s just dinner.” She walks past me and I amwaytoo damn happy, but I try my hardest to keep the excitement off my face.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Lisette

Jacksonissmilinglikeanidiot, but I’m not delusional enough to convince myself it’s my presence and not his parents that has him smiling like his entire day was made.

I donotwant to be here. I didn’t even want to sleep here, but Sire is a fucking headache, so here I am, playing house with his best friend. I should sleep with Jackson just to piss him off.

I get that he’s worried. Iget it,but his lack of faith in me hurts more than I’ll ever admit. I’m fine.

Another thing I don’t want to admit is that I’ve beengreatthe two nights I’ve slept here. Not a single urge to run off and throw my life away for a small white pill.

It’s temporary, my cruel mind reminds me.

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