I let go of a ragged sigh, knowing exactly how Steven will react to Asher. I plop down on the bed, and turn my head to face him. “If he knows I’m seeing someone, he’ll do everything he can to make my life hell.”
Asher scoots down, bringing his face to mine, his tattooed arm banding across my stomach. “He can try but he won’t succeed.”
The resolve in his dark blue eyes has me pressing my lips to his. I trust this man. More than I’ve ever trusted anyone before. He makes me feel safe and protected, and deep down I know no matter what Steven says or does, Asher will be there to back me up, and there’s a deep sense of comfort in that.
“Okay,” I agree.
One hand cradles the side of my face as he brings his smiling lips to mine. “Damn, if only you were always this agreeable.”
He gathers me in his arms as we settle in the center of the mattress. I rest my head down on his chest, the warmth and safety of his body lulling me into a deep sleep.
Chapter 19
Marley
Friday afternoon, I pick up Lyla from daycare and head home. I’m not looking forward to seeing Steven tonight or confronting him about what Asher told me but I can’t let this continue. He can’t buy her love, and trying to do so will only do her more harm than good. Not to mention the fact that he’s bribing her to keep secrets from me.
Asher had sent me a text before I left work to tell me that he’d gotten stuck on a call and he might be running late. Which makes me more nervous about confronting Steven, because although I can handle him on my own, I want Asher to be here. I know it will likely cause more tension between Steven and I but I don’t care anymore. I’m tired of Steven thinking he can just say whatever the hell he wants to me or treat me like shit when his daughter isn’t around. Maybe if Steven knows I’m dating a cop he’ll stop being such an asshole and maybe we can focus on more important things, like raising our daughter.
Wishful thinking.
Lyla is watching TV while I straighten up the kitchen, trying to expel some of this nervous energy as I wait for Steven to arrive and pray that Asher makes it here before he does.
Half an hour later, there’s a knock at the door. Looking through the peephole, I find Steven on the other side.
“Lyla, sweetie, Daddy and I are going to talk outside before you go. You stay put, okay?” I tell her as I open the door.
“Yes, ma’am,” she says, still enthralled in her show.
I open the door and step outside, shutting it behind me. Steven stiffens, eyeing me curiously.
“We need to talk,” I say, and he takes a step back, crossing his arms over his chest.
“About?” he asks, carefully.
“About you bribing our daughter with toys and asking her to keep it from me.”
