Andre says nothing before standing and taking the empty plates away to place them in the sink. As he makes his way out of the kitchen, he stops at the doorway. “Tesoro, we have a lot to talk about. Why don’t you meet me in my office tomorrow and we’ll have lunch?”
My shoulders drop at the coldness of his tone. Placing my elbows on the counter, I drop my face in my hands and groan.
Silas places a hand on my back. “He’ll figure it out. He just needs time.”
“I think I just need to go back to bed. It’s been one heck of an exciting day,” I grumble into my hands.
“Yeah, let’s do that,” Silas agrees, and standing, we make our way out of the kitchen and to our rooms.
Once again, I’m asleep before my head hits the pillow. At some point during the night, I feel someone slip into my bed, causing fear to snap me awake. My body goes stiff and my breathing shallow, pretending to be asleep. The person reaches out, flipping me to face them and moving me onto their chest. That’s when Andre’s scent hits me, and I instantly relax. He slides the hand wrapped around my back under my shirt and starts running the tips of his fingers up and down my spine. My eyes are sliding closed when he speaks.
“I’m sorry, Tesoro. I was being an asshole, and you didn’t deserve that. You could gut this whole house if that’s what you wanted. Tomorrow, everyone will start decorating for Christmas, and you can make it whatever you want,” he finishes.
I don’t respond to him. Instead, I just kiss his chest and let my eyes slide closed.
He kisses the top of my head. “I want you in every way possible. You and this baby are mine, and I will destroy anything and everything to make sure you both are always happy and healthy.”
With those words ringing in my ears, I fall into the deepest, sweetest, and most restful sleep I’ve had in more years than I can remember. To my disappointment when I wake up, he is gone, and the bed beside me is cold. Sliding out of bed, I make my way to the shower to get ready for my day. By the time I’m ready for the day, I’m starving and feeling a little nauseous.
Placing my hand on my lower belly, I talk to the baby there. “Let’s go get you something to eat.”
When I pull my bedroom door open, I gasp at the vision in front of me. Christmas has exploded everywhere, and my heart fills to near bursting.
“Your daddy did this all for us,” I whisper once again, placing my hand on my belly.
Nine
Andre
My heart beats faster the longer Tinsley stays out on the porch. My men held them at the gate as long as they could, but it seems Grandpa is in an episode and does not want to go with her. What I need is Tinsley inside and safe, because the people about to climb out of that car would cause her stress, and that is the last thing she needs right now.
“Tinsley, Grandpa is good to stay. I need you inside right now,” I snap harshly, not to do anything but snap her to attention and get her moving.
“Okay, Andre,” she says, her tone letting me know I’ll pay for that tone later.
My heart rate slows as pride fills my chest because every time she doesn’t fight me in public and allows me to lead, I know she is perfect for me and the family. I just have to convince her we’re a perfect match. She walks through the door and closes it behind her, not saying another word.
“What’s the plan, Boss?” Bryce speaks quietly so only I can hear him.
“Fuck if I know. They showed up out of the fucking blue. At this point, Kingston is pissing me off, and it’s time to remind himwho the fuck we are,” I growl, rage scorching my soul at the blatant disrespect of what he just did.
The back door is thrown open, and out steps Otis, looking around as if he is searching for something. Coming around the back of the vehicle is Kingston with a matching glare on his face. I don’t move from my place on the top step, standing with my hand behind my back, glaring down at them. We all stand there sizing each other until Silas stands from his rocking chair and goes inside.
“Mind explaining why you just showed up at my home with no warning?” I snap, already done with his shit.
“If I recall, I did reach out to you and even talked to your second, letting him know we would be coming to see you,” Kingston shrugs like him being here happens every day.
“You see, context matters, and the last you told Vito was that you would come for a visit and would be in touch with a day and time. Since then, you and your misfit haven’t been in contact at all. So again, why are you here unannounced?” I demand.
Kingston sighs. “You're right. It was disrespectful, and for that I apologize. Between this deal not going so well and the fact we’re still looking for that wayward sister of ours, we’re just a little antsy.”
“Regarding the deal issues, you can call and set up a time to come by and discuss them. Your wayward sister isn’t my fucking problem. Now leave my property and reach out when you’re ready to be fucking respectful,” I throw out before turning to go back inside.
“Andre, please.” Kingston steps forward. “Just hear me out.”
I stand with my back to him, trying to decide if I want to entertain them or continue being an asshole.
“We need to get this shit straightened out,” Bryce murmurs. “His brother needs to get fucking gone. I agree with Vito. He needs to be put down like a rabid dog.”
