Page 142 of Losing Faith

“Iknewit.” She nearly squeals.

“Does Sire know?” I glance over her shoulder but she shakes her head.

“He doesn’t and he’s not here,” she reassures me. “I’m sure he has his suspicions, though. It was very obvious after you beat up that guy at her place.” She watches me carefully but I rise from my seat before she can interrogate me.

“Thank you for watching Belle.”

“Mhm.” She rises to her feet. I call out to Belle and she comes out with Athena by her side, the huge dog nearly her height.

“Titi said you can spend the night, but behave yourself.” I kneel to kiss her.

“I will.” She kisses my cheek and tries to walk away, but I pull her in for a hug.

When I hug her for too long, she pushes me away. “Dad, justgo,I’m fine.”

“Don’t be mean. I’m going to miss you.” I smother her some more.

“It’sonenight.” She tries to shove me away when I keep her close.

“Are you sure you want to sleep over? I can pick you up later and—”

“Go.” She guides me to the door, pushing my legs. “I already know you’re going to change your mind and take me back likealways.” She rolls her eyes dramatically and I have to bite back a laugh.

“You’re not going to miss your dad?” I tease, but she ignores me. “You’re hurting my feelings, Belle. Aren’t you going to miss me so, so much?”

“Oh my fuckinggoodness,” she mumbles.

I stop in my tracks before turning to her and her entire face drops at my glare.

“Watch it,” I warn. “Who even says that?” I ask, knowing I’ve never said that phrase around her.

“Uncle Sigh,” she trails off, her guilty eyes on me.

“Stop repeating people. You’re not a parrot.” I’m going to kick my best friend’s damn ass. “Behave for Titi V. Your uncle will be back soon and do not ask him for sweets for dinner.”

“Okay.” She watches me carefully, but I decide not to ruin her night by sending her to bed early.

Beside us, Vidia stifles a laugh as she walks me to the door.

“I’m going to kill your boyfriend,” I say, quiet enough for Belle not to hear.

“Not if he kills you first.” She gives me a knowing look. “You’re a good man, so I know Lis is being taken care of, but if this goes left, he won’t even try to hear your side of things. His relationship with Lis is completely different from that of his other siblings. Don’t hurt her.”

I only nod as she opens the door for me, knowing I wouldn’t dream of hurting her.

Grabbing the bag from thepassenger seat, I head upstairs, my excitement building. I know I saw Lissy yesterday when she left my house, but I haven’t spoken to her since then, and while I’m fully aware that my attachment issues are latching onto her, I again, don’t care. I like being around her, I like having her in my space with her laughs and messy room.

I knock on her door eagerly, and when Sire opens it, my smile drops.

His brows furrow as he looks back at me before he takes in the suit I’m in for the charity event.

“Hey.” I force a smile.

“Hi?” He rightfully still looks confused.

“I’m taking your sister on a date.” I rip the bandaid off. I’m not doing the wholehide from her brotherthing anymore. The anxiety and guilt might kill me.

He looks even more confused before I see him putting the pieces together in his head. He lets out a scoff as he completes the puzzle he just made up.

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