Page 109 of Black
“Yes, I know he sometimes speaks before he thinks, but he doesn’t mean it like that.”
“You always protects him, Mom,” I said and felt annoyed with her.
“No, I don’t, and he even said in the kitchen just now that if your accusations are really true and if Brent left our granddaughter to abuse and poverty, then there’ll be hell to pay.”
“Oh, they are true alright, I can testify to that. I heard her mom admit to the abuse and I know for a fact that when Cia finally escaped the horrors in her mother’s house she came to Brent for help, and he turned her away and left her to live on the streets when she was only fourteen.”
“Oh, Jesus, I’m so sorry.” My mother’s voice broke. “If only we had known… She could have lived here; I would have gladly taken her in…”
“I know, Mom, I know.”
“Why don’t you both take the time you need and then come see us when you’re ready. We would love to get to know you better, Cia.”
“Thanks,” Cia said and brushed a tear away with the back of her hand. “I think I would like that.”
“I’ll call you later, Mom,” I said, hung up, and turned to Cia.
“Do you think they’ll have me do a DNA test to prove I’m really Brent’s daughter?”
“No, you look like Mia – they’re not stupid. Anyone can see that you’re his kid.”
“It’s the eyes, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, you’ve got his green eyes for sure.”
“I shouldn’t have lectured Steve on the Bible,” she said quietly.
I reached up and stroke her chin. “Are you kidding me? That was the coolest thing that has ever taken place in that house. First of all, to see anyone actually win a face-off with Steve is a historical event, but to do it using the Bible was spectacular.
“Why?”
“Because the Bible is his favorite trump card in discussions. You just moved from badass to superhero in my world.”
She laughed, and it felt amazing to see her white teeth. I kissed her, long and hard, and we walked up to the apartment and made love for the sixth time.
Cia was curious and playful with me, and in return I was patient and let her explore my body.
Making love to her was much more fulfilling than with anyone else, and I think it was because I had committed myself to her. Sure, I had had sex with women who were wilder, more experienced, and even more beautiful than Cia, but I would pick her over them any day.
“I love you,” I whispered and kissed her. It was the first time I spoke those words to her, and she widened her eyes.
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“How do you know?”
“I just do.”
“And you’re not scared that Brent might be right about me just using you?”
I shook my head. “You’ve never asked for anything. It’s always been me offering.”
Her face drew into a serious expression with her brows knitting together. “What did he mean about Heidi using you?”
I sighed. “Heidi and I were together for three years and half that time I was deployed abroad, so she lived in my apartment while I paid for all expenses.”
“And Brent felt that she was using you because she didn’t pay rent?”
