Page 96 of Papa's Bébé
“Yeah, and this one is important.” He reached out to grasp her chin, turning her to face him.
She closed her eyes. She couldn’t deal with any of this right now. Not on the amount of coffee that she’d had.
“Open your eyes. Look at me. You don’t have to talk. Just listen.”
Yeah, listening had never been her strong point.
Actually, that wasn’t true. Obedience had never been her strong point. After her mom died, rebelling was the only way she’d gotten her father’s attention.
She knew it was stupid, but she’d been fifteen.
She’d been lost and alone and the one person she’d thought would be there for her . . . had abandoned her.
So it took a lot for her to force her eyes open and stare up at him.
“You’re doing so well. I know this is a lot. But I need you to hear me. If there is a situation, if there is a threat to your life, Ineed you to promise that you will do exactly as I tell you to do. Understand?”
Maya nodded.
“No, Maya. I want you to mean this. You are to do as I say or there will be consequences.”
What the heck did that mean? Did he mean that she’d get hurt? Maybe die?
Nothing could happen to her . . . she didn’t have anyone to look after her babies. Those sorts of thoughts kept her up at night.
She’d thought about asking Livvy . . . but she seemed to have a lot on her plate with her kids.
What about Millie?
Huh. That was a thought. She didn’t know her well, but it was obvious that Millie liked animals.
Plus, Millie didn’t seem to mind the . . . unusual. Just look at Mr. Fluffy. He wasn’t a standard dog.
“I’ve lost you, haven’t I? Back to zombie Maya.”
“I’m not a zombie,” she told him. “I was just thinking about what to do with my babies if something happens to me.”
The hand on her chin tightened, making her eyes widen.
“Nothing is going to happen to you. Do you hear me? That is why I am here. To ensure your safety. And I will keep you safe.”
He’d come on toostrong. He could see that now.
But the idea of something happening to her had those embers of anger inside him flaring up. Burning brighter.
He couldn’t let them turn into flames.
Control. Be in control.
Maya kept shooting him strange looks as they headed into the yoga studio.
He wished he hadn’t reacted so intensely to her words, but just the thought of something happening to her made his fury spark.
Control.
She’s a job. Nothing more.
However, it was hard not to admire her. She was strong and brave and clearly caring. Compassionate.
