Page 55 of Petals of Blue: Part Two
Clara and Derrick arrived with Violet not long after we got here. Helping Blue up to her apartment but being told to wait out in the living room while Violet helped her shower and get ready for bed was a slap in the face.
I wanted to do those things. My dominant nature took offense at the fact that myhurtwoman was keeping me at arm's length when she needed me the most.
Clara and Derrick left a bit ago, around the time Blue shuffled out of her room to say goodnight to everyone. She gave us all a little wave, sniffled, and turned around. I think we were all in a bit of a shock becausethat's it?After everything that's happened, she's just going to bed?
My opinion and feelings on the matter are a bit irrational and more about my needs than hers.Why doesn't she want me?
Stupid question.
"Felix, she's already asleep. Can you please just go, and we'll see you when the sun rises?"
The sun isn't even fucking down for the day. Yet Violet also looks ready to pass out in her bed for the first time this week.
"You should head to bed too, kid," Roman suggests, not budging from his seat at the kitchen table.
Violet's stubbornness comes full force. "Not until you leave."
"Violet, what's wrong with us sleeping on the floor?" Declan asks, trying to soften his tone. Maybe he'll have better luck.
Tears well up in the young woman's eyes, making me feel like an ass. "Violet, come here, please." My request is accompanied by open arms.
She hesitates, and her messy bun flops to the side of her head. Eventually, she flings herself into my chest and hugs me back. I hate that she's struggling, but I have no idea what to do.
Is forcing the issue best? Or?—
"Please, Felix," she whimpers, "Come back tomorrow.We just need some space to have a cuddle, just us two."
The sigh I breathe is heavy as I release her. She steps back and looks up at me. Shorter than her mama by a few inches, Violet is pretty short compared to me, making my protective instincts roar.Cook them food. Make them drink water. Guard the door.
"Alright, we'll go," I relent, seeing the truth in Violet's eyes. The girls need time alone, and I can respect their strong connection. "But first you're going to take a shower, I'm going to make some soup, and stock some water in Blue's room."
She blinks up at me, seemingly surprised. Jared laughs and nudges her shoulder as he walks past us to the kitchen. Violet jolts out of her shock and nods. "Yes, sir."
Shuffling away, looking more like her mama, Violet disappears down the hall. I take another deep breath in an attempt to calm the battle raging in my head. It goes against every instinct I have to leave them here alone, but V flat-out told me she wants space with her mom. Respecting her choice is going to be hard, but I'll fucking do it.
"I'll start chopping the onion," Jared says, sifting through the bag of groceries Bethany dropped off while Blue was in the shower.
Declan mock gasps as he stands from the couch. "Wow, you...helpful?!"
"Hey," I grunt, snatching his arm and spinning him to face me. "Watch the attitude."
His mouth pops open, and I take the invitation tokiss him hard. Our tongues tangle, and Declan melts against me. I wrap my arms around him tightly because I haven't done so in too long. Our stress and fear kept us apart more than I'd like to admit, but the women are safe, and we get to make a meal for our woman and her kid.
"Is anyone else going to behelpful?" Jared pouts from the kitchen, making us split apart with a grin.
Roman grunts, stands, and stretches. "I'm going to check their locks and make sure their security system is okay."
I nod and thank my friend as I come to stand beside Jared in the kitchen. We split the domestic chore of making soup, and once I have the potatoes boiling with all the other ingredients, I grab Blue's Stanley water bottle.
We found it in her car after she went missing, and it's been cleaned since. I bet she'll be happy to have her weapon back.
Filled with water and no ice, I clutch it and another large bottle in my hands and make my way down the hall to Blue's bedroom. The shower is running a few doors down, so after I knock gently, I enter Blue's room confident Violet isn't in here.
It's dark, but I can just make out the female ball curled up beneath the covers. The last time I was in here, I was scared I'd never see her again. With Blue in her bed, the aura of the room is completely different. It's warm and inviting. Nothing like the cold feeling of holding its breath, waiting for its owner to come home.
She's home.
Blue's home. She's safe and warm.I have to make sure.
