Page 67 of Ma Belle Marguerite
“Well, I guess they know about us now,” I say to test the mood and break the silence.
“Can you give me some time to get ready alone? I need to think.” She’s pushing me away again.
“No, because this isn’t ayouthing. This is anusthing now, and we will deal with it as a team.” She isn’t going to like me throwing her words back at her, but they’re true.
“Fine, but let me shower and get dressed. If you join me, it’ll take too long.”She isn’t wrong there.I don’t think I’d be able to keep my hands off of her, looking like the snack she is.
I shouldn’t push her too hard after the few days she’s had either. “Fine. I’ll be in my room. Come see me so we canrebandage your arm before we go downstairs.” I kiss her on the forehead and walk to my room.
I find my phone on my desk. This is a good moment to see if there are any updates from my men. I see a message from Josh that was sent not long ago.
I have news, boss. If you don’t answer within an hour, D will take point.
Now, my curiosity is piqued. What did he figure out during the night when I told him to rest?
Just about to have breakfast with the family. I have a small emergency to take care of, then I’m available.
I see the tell-tale three dots moving at the bottom of our chat immediately like he had been watching for my response.
I should probably skip breakfast and deal with the bigger issue, like my father would have, but need to be there for my family. I missed out on so many years, and it is my job to ensure they know they are important to me.
Got it, boss. We are getting things started so that we are ready to go when you arrive. Meet us at the gatehouse out front when you are done.
Thank you. It shouldn’t be too long.
I hear the shower turn off in Bella’s room; she must have left the door open. Fuck. Did she actually want me to join her?
I move quickly and see her drying off. She looks amazing, and I can’t believe she’s all mine. I don’t deserve someone like her, but I will try my hardest to be the man she needs.
“Like what you see?” She has a smirk on her face.
Two can play this game. “No, I don’t like it.” I see her face drop, “I love it.”
She runs towards me and smacks my arm, “Youasshole! Don’t do that to me again.”
I grab her around her waist and kiss her forehead. “Let me help you with your arm so we can get downstairs. I have something I need to take care of with my men. Breakfast will need to be quick.”
I feel her stiffen in my arms. “You can just go. I’ll take care of the kids. It will probably be easier that way.”
My voice comes out harsher than I intend. “No! I want to be there. This is my responsibility, too. Please don’t shut me out.”
Her face softens, “I didn’t mean it in that way. I just know that what you are dealing with is important right now.”
I don’t want to be my father and put the ‘business’ ahead of my family. They are my life, and they are number one now. Everything else is second unless it is also a threat to their lives.
“I just want to be better than what we had growing up. I’m going to start from day one, not say, ‘oh, after this problem.’ There will always be another problem. There won’t always be more time with you and the kids.” This woman and the kids have me so soft, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love you, and I’m sorry that I wasted so many years. I should have known better. From here on out, we will both work harder to put our family first.” She smiles at me and I can see she means it by the glint in her eyes.
God, this woman is perfect!
“Come on, I want to get this awkward conversation over with.” I pull her gently to the sink to get her arm covered up.
Once we are dressed, we make our way to the kitchen. As we get closer I can hear the kids laughing. Maybe this won’t be as bad as I thought.
Wrong. Remi’s face goes dark when he sees us enter holding hands. His eyes narrow in on our hands intertwined and then he meets my gaze. If looks could kill I’d be dead right now.
“Good morning. How did you sleep?” Bella acts as if everything is normal. I’m nervous as fuck. I don’t want my relationship with my kids to be ruined before it even starts.
