Page 69 of Badges
What if I open my heart to him and he discards me when he finds someone new?
I don’t know if I could handle being that vulnerable, then to be ruined.
His scowl grows with my silence. “Don’t feel like you’re being pressured. Staying here doesn’t require you in my fucking bed, if that’s what you’re thinking. Or if you’re so damn grossed out by shit I did over a decade ago, you’re free to go.”
As he walks away, he pulls a business card from his pocket and tosses it on the table. “I found you a place that you can stay for free for a few months. Val’s hiring if you need a job. Once Cynthia is here, you’ll be welcome to visit her all you want.”
My chest clenches like a giant fist is wrapped around my ribs and squeezing. “Are you kicking me out?” I manage to squeak out.
“No. I’m giving you options,” he growls, his hand on the frame of his bedroom door. “I’m not gonna force you to do anything you don’t want to do. I can find your sister—my daughter, on my own now and get her to safety.” His knuckles turn white as his grip tightens on the wood. “Do I want you to stay? Absolutely.” His voice cracks.
Then his head shakes. “But not if you don’t trust me.”
After he’s gone, I keep staring at the spot I last saw him until I hear the water of his shower kick on.
I was wrong.
My mom didn’t mess this up.
I did.
Keep an eye out
Wade
Val would tell methat the fact Elena is jealous means she likes me.
Except I’m not in middle school anymore and don’t have the patience for those kinds of games.
Elena needs to figure out what and who she wants. I can only help her learn to trust me if she lets me in.
I manage to get out of the house this morning without seeing her. Maybe she’s sulking in bed?
Or maybe she’s packing.
That thought makes my stomach churn, but that’d be her choice.
My phone only rings once before I answer it.
“Wade, got the paperwork ready for you so we can expedite this custody request. There will likely be a DNA check from the child to verify.” Pete doesn’t even say “hi”, just jumps right in.
That’s why I like him. Matter of fact.
“How long will that take?” The sun is cresting just at eye level.
It’s getting closer to fall for it to be hitting me at this time of day.
Huh. Will I get to kiss Elena under the mistletoe?
After seeing the look on her face last night, not likely.
Maybe a stack of presents for Cynthia by the tree will be a good goal.
As long as the red tape doesn’t become a hassle.
“Should go pretty quick once paternity is established. Just keep on your toes. This will be a damn bat signal if she’s being held by the same person who arranged those heinous crimes.”
“Then he’ll be on my trail instead of hers. That’s fine.” I’ll do anything to keep her safe.
