"I'm scared, Sidney."
I wrap my arms around her, holding her like she can use my body as a shield against her fears. I'll be that for her. Hell, I'll learn to be whatever she needs.
I didn't get it right today, but I will tomorrow and every goddamn day that comes after. To keep her, there is no other choice. I refuse to be the thing in her life that makes it harder.
"I don't want to be the reason the whole world makes fun of you." Her teeth sink into her bottom lip, her eyes watery.
"Baby." I stroke her cheeks, shaking my head. "I know you don't see yourself clearly because of all the shit you've been through, but I do see you, and I know the whole world isn't looking at you at my side, feeling sorry for me. They're looking at you at my side, and they're jealous as hell."
"Yes, because they want to be photographed with a hot, professional athlete!"
"No," I say firmly. "They're jealous as hell because you aren't on their arms. You think your brothers are so fucking protective of you just because of your mother?"
"Yes."
I can't help but smile because, of course, she's oblivious to just how many of our teammates Tye has threatened to murder for looking at her. Even if her mother hadn't drilled into her head that she's unworthy, she'd still be oblivious because she doesn'tlive her life looking for attention. She has it, though. Enough to make me fucking crazy.
"You're wrong. Tye has been threatening to kill half the team since you moved back to Chicago," I mutter. "Every damn time you come around, someone asks for your number."
"Do they need books?" she asks, blinking at me.
I laugh, and then I groan because I know she's serious. "No. They want you."
"What?" She gapes at me like I've lost it.
"Ask him if you don't believe me," I mutter. "Hell, ask Harlan and Briggs, too." I sink my hands into her hips, tugging her closer on my lap. "You're beautiful, baby. It's notdespiteyour size, either. Part of what makes you so fucking beautiful is your curves." I squeeze her hips for emphasis. "These are so fucking sexy to men."
"Did Tye hit you back today and give you a concussion, Sidney?"
"No," I growl. "But I've been dreaming about these curves since I saw you for the first time. You're the whole package, Hattie. You're beautiful, intelligent, funny, and so fucking sweet. Men—real men—see you for exactly what you are, and believe me, butterfly, weknowwe're the ones not worthy." My eyes narrow on her. "It drives me nuts knowing that I'm not the only one who would kill to keep you. Maybe assholes don't think you fit into our world, but I know too goddamn many men in this world who strongly disagree."
She stares at me for a long moment with her head cocked to the side. "You're being serious, aren't you?"
"Wish I weren't," I mutter. "Nothing pisses me off more than knowing that half my teammates look at you the same way I do."
"Well…" she says, drawing the word out. "If it makes you feel better, I never look at them that way."
"Believe me, I'm aware," I say dryly. "It's the only reason they're still breathing. Well, that and the fact that you're on my lap right now. A motherfucker isn't inclined to move when you're all snuggled up, staring at him like he's a prize, butterfly." There isn't a man alive who would disagree. At least, not one who matters.
For some reason, that makes her happy. She actually giggles, her expression softening. "You're a very violent man, Cranky Bear."
"Wasn't this way until I met you."
"For the record," she says, placing her hands flat against my chest as she shifts around on my lap, "I do not accept responsibility for your violent tendencies."
"Keep moving like that, and you're going to be accepting responsibility for something," I warn her when her ass brushes against my cock.
Her expression turns downright devilish as she loops her arms around my neck and then squirms again. "That's the point, Sidney," she breathes, her lips inches from mine. "That's entirely the point."
I growl, intending to tip her backward and have my way with her.
"No!" she cries before I can move.
I freeze instantly, my eyes locked with hers.
"I have a better idea."
"Last time you told me that, we ended up eating dollar tacos while a restaurant full of people plastered us all over the internet."
