After I tap the elevator button for what feels like the one hundredth time, the doors finally open. Dropping my head into my hands once it starts to descend, I let my tears fall freely.
I feel like a fool who’s no good for anything. I’m more than a pretty face. I’m more than my income, but the more people say I’m not, the more I start to realize that maybe they’re right.
I’ll never be good enough for anyone, especially myself.
My butt hits the ground when I mentally and physically feel like I can’t hold myself up anymore. The world feels like it’s closing in on me, feels like I’ll forever be stuck in my bad fortune. Dropping my forehead to my knees, which are tucked close to my chest, I mourn the old me, the old dad I had.
I mourn the life I wish I could have, but that seems impossible.
I flinch, and my heart races in my chest when I feel a small hand land on my arm. I need to pay closer attention to my surroundings, I had no idea the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Looking up, I find green eyes looking at me with so much concern.
“Your cheeks are wet,” she states, coming into my personal space while placing her little hand on my cheek.
I swear Stella acts so wise for someone her age.
I sense her brother hovering at the open elevator doors before he rushes inside and hits the Close button, stopping the elevator completely from moving. Crouching down next to his sister, he sends me the same look his sister is giving me.
Why is he always around when I need someone?
“Lee says pretty girls shouldn’t cry. You’re pretty, so you should stop crying,” her tiny voice croaks out, making her sound so innocent. Getting real close to my face, she narrows her eyes. “I said smile, Lia.”
And that actually makes me laugh, seeing her soft face get so serious. God, I’m so obsessed with this kid. If I wasn’t before, I sure am now.
“Stella,” Levi scolds his little sister, grasping her arm lightly. “That’s very nice of you, but step back and give her some space.”
“She doesn’t need space. She needs a hug!” She crosses her arms across her chest and stomps her foot angrily.
My tears are temporarily forgotten when she points her finger in my direction as she glares at her big brother.
“What are you doing, Lee? Don’t you listen? Give her a hug.”
He smiles in disbelief at his sister as his mouth falls agape. He glances shyly at me, and I swear I spot a light blush coat his sharp cheeks.
“Would you like me to hug you, Miss Drakos?” he says in a voice way too deep and sensual for a child being present.
“Don’t ask,” Stella says, throwing her tiny arms up in the air in annoyance. “Just do it!” The two space buns on her head make her sassy self even cuter.
“Okay, child!” He laughs, straightening himself to his full height.
He extends a tatted hand down to me. Not thinking twice, I grab it, and I’m suddenly being pulled into his chest.
His grip is firm but so comforting when he winds one arm tightly around my waist. I truly believe there’s no way we can get closer while his other hand cups the back of my neck and his thumb brushes my skin. His warm cinnamon scent makes me wrap my arms around his neck as I give in to the solace for once.
He’s quickly become my anchor that keeps me in place when I feel like I’m drifting away.
“My sister’s right. Pretty girls shouldn’t cry.” His mouth brushes against my ear, sending a wave of goose bumps along my skin. “So, why is my pretty girl crying?”
I don’t miss the anger in his voice as his protective grasp tightens.
Never mind. We can get closer. I’m going to lose my mind.
I raise my head off his sturdy, warm shoulder, and my face comes within centimeters of his.
“Who made you cry, honey?”
“No one important.” I swallow thickly, getting lost in his eyes.
“If they weren’t important, you wouldn’t be in tears.”
