Page 69 of Tear Me Down
“I want you however and whenever I can get you, little wolf. I don’t want you to feel like you have to put on a show for me.”
I pat his chest softly and reach up to kiss his cheek.
“I know I don’t have to, and I won’t if I don’t want to.”
He raises one brow this time, eyeing me like he’s trying to decide if I’m lying.
“Promise?”
“Promise,” I reassure him, and once he nods in acknowledgement, he moves to start removing the bodysuit.
“But please, anytime you want to, I'm more than happy to participate.” He smirks and plants a quick kiss to my nose as I let out a giggle, almost embarrassed by how flustered it sounds. What would normally only take seconds is taking much longer as he tries to navigate how the bodysuit is attached to me. I hope he can figure it out, because I sure as hell don’t know. “How the fuck did you get this on?” We laugh as he tugs at a strap, and it only pulls another taut.
“Serena helped” I admit through chuckles as we finally find the one strap that loosens the rest.
Chapter twenty-four
Damien
We walk downstairs, hand in hand, Ashia wearing my T-shirt and a pair of her leggings to feel comfortable. She actually seemed nervous that the Andersons were here, and I can’t tell if it’s a good nervousness or a bad one. I haven’t seen them since she was in the hospital, and to be honest, I don’t remember a lot of my interactions with them, but I do highly respect the Andersons for how they took care of her, and there’s not much they could say that would change that for me.
We descend the stairs, and I see them sitting at the kitchen island talking to Zeke as he hands them each a water bottle. He’s going to kick my ass after how I answered the phone earlier, but I know how his recent protectiveness over Ashia bothers her, so something about putting him in place was satisfying.
“Hey, Dad!” she chokes out nervously, only to pause on the last step once the realization of what she said seeps in. That kind of throws me off a little, and I can tell it throws Richard for a loop as well, but his face softens into innocent admiration quickly. I don’t think she’s ever called himthatout loud, and he definitely doesn’t seem to mind. “Shit, I'm sorry, Richard.” She corrects herself before stepping off the stairs. I squeeze her hand reassuringly, letting her know that it’s okay. She’s worked through a lot of emotions about her parents recently, and even though her real father was a piece of shit, it’s okay for her to feel that familial tie with those that truly raised her.
“Hey, Pumpkin. Please don’t apologize, Dad is fine. I like it.” He smiles and gives her a hug before she turns and hugs his wife, Marla. I’ve noticed he calls her that through messages. She said he started that when her and Serena were in second grade and they learned Ashia’s birthday was on Halloween.
“Mr. Anderson.” I reach out and shake his hand, noticing his harsh grip before I turn and greet Marla as well. While he doesn’t show any signs of hostility, I can definitely feel it. This visit may not be as cordial as I expected.
“What are you guys doing here?” she asks them, still somewhat flustered.
“Well, you said we could come by at any time, so I figured we would test those waters. You know, we just wanted to see you and check in. We miss you,” Richard says through a tight throat, and that tells me everything I need to know. They want to make sure I'm not another abusive boyfriend, especially after the two weeks her and Serena weren’t speaking.
“That’s fine, guys, but um, maybe a phone call next time? You know like ten minutes out?” She laughs anxiously before she rounds the island and leans over to talk to them, sensing that she might need some distance and room to breathe.
“No offense to Damien, but we didn’t really want to give a warning. We wanted to make sure you're okay,” Richard says sternly, staring at her like he’s trying to talk with her through nothing but glances. Ashia’s features harden, showing off her instant protectiveness.
“That is offensive, Richard.”
“It’s Dad now, young lady, and you and Serena are my priority. Not your fiancé’s feelings,” he spits out, staring at her harshly and pointing towards me like he’s staving off witchcraft. While normally I would fly into a fit of rage if someone spoke to her like that, I find myself holding back. I understand his wariness, and while Ashia might not appreciate his security right now, once the tension dies down, she will.
Damn, I like this man.
“You think he’s hurting me?” she asks with an accusing tone.
“We just wanted to check on you sweetheart, that’s all,” Marla replies calmly, placing a soft hand on Richard’s arm and clearly trying to calm him down. I walk to the edge of the kitchen island, sure to stand between the three of them to try and diffuse the situation before she gets too upset.
“It’s really no offense, baby.” I take her hand and squeeze it faintly. “I get it. While you were in the coma, I didn’t speak to them, or anyone, really. They don’t know me, and as far as they know I’m no different than Cooper.” Her features soften a little, and she looks back to Richard with more understanding.
Our attention is then drawn over to the stairs to see Serena and Carter walking down together. They both look defeated and walk lazily with each step until Serena looks up. As her eyes widen with shock, Carter shifts to stand with awkwardness, gripping the railing lazily and looking around the room like he doesn’t notice them.
“Oh shit, what are you guys doing here?” Serena asks them and I turn my focus to Zeke, who shows his teeth in an obvious sign of guilt.
“You didn’t call Carter?” I whisper to him.
“Well, after calling you, I was a little distracted,” he quietly seethes and glares at me with anger.
“Well, well, this is just perfect. Both men I wanted to see are here,” Richard says, turning his harsh gaze at Carter.
