But I still respected my parents and wanted them to know that this wasn’t a decision that I would regret. Reluctantly, I picked up my phone, knowing I’d have a better shot at getting through to my mother. Since we’re both women, I hoped she’d hear me out before shutting me down. Mythic was in his office handling payroll for the club, so I took a breath and hit the video call button.
When my mom’s face popped up on the screen, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Her mouth barely opened when she greeted me. “Hi.” Her expression was already tight with disapproval. The look of disdain was written all over her face.
“Hi, Mama.” I sighed.
She skipped past any further pleasantries. “I know that your mind is probably all over the place after what Mia and Damar did, but do you have to be this desperate? You can’t find somebody else to screw?”
My eyes bulged at my mother’s sudden vulgarity.
“What are you thinking, Aviana?” she said through gritted teeth.
“I’m thinking that for the first time, I’m sure about who I’m with. Mythic isn’t perfect in you and Daddy’s eyes, but he’s good for me.”
She didn’t say anything right away, just stared at me like she couldn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth.
“I let you and Daddy’s judgment push me toward Damar, and look what happened with him.”
Her head reared back as her eyes bulged.
“I let y’all’s opinions keep me from the man I should’ve been with, but I’m not making that mistake again. I’m with Mythic now because I want to be—because I know what’s real.”
“Look at you.” She sneered, shaking her head. “That thug got you disrespecting us already. Is it that good?”
I scoffed, in complete shock at my mother’s hatred. My parents were so holy—until it came to getting what they wanted.
I smiled slowly, answering her. “It is. It’s worth every inch.”
My mother gasped a warning, “Aviana!”
“I have to go, Mama. I love you.” I ended the call before she could say anything else, then I silenced my ringer. I was done making decisions based on my parents’ approval. And if they couldn’t respect who I wanted to love, then they wouldn’t be around to witness it.
I finally rolled out of bed, feeling the cool air from the vent hit my bare skin as I stretched. I’d been naked all day, lounging and trying to get my mind together after what had happened. Facing death, staring it in the face like that, wasn’t something I’d ever imagined for myself.
I spotted one of Mythic’s shirts on the lounge chair near the bed and slipped it on. It smelled like him, so it was comforting. But it barely covered me since he was all about that slim-fit style. It hugged my upper body and barely lay over my massive, curvaceous hips.
As I padded through the condo, my feet bare against the cool floors, I was still amazed. I still wasn’t used to this life—the luxury, the space, and the quiet. I’d come a long way from what I was used to, but every day, it felt like I was walking through someone else’s world. It was his world, and thankfully, he welcomed me into it with open arms and an open heart.
Opening Mythic’s office door, I found him behind his desk, focused while typing away. Even though I loved the swag that his dangerous persona gave him, it made me wet to see him behind a computer, crunching numbers like a nerd and sending emails.
When he saw me, his face softened. “Come here, baby,” he said, leaning back in his chair. His eyes swept over me in that shirt like he was admiring his work.
I crossed the room and made my way behind his desk. Once I was in arm’s reach, he grabbed me and sat me down on his lap.
“I’m hiring a private driver for you—at least for a while, until I’m sure you’re not in any danger.”
I shook my head instantly. “That’s too much, Mythic. I can handle myself.”
His head dramatically leaned to the side. “Can you?”
I chuckled a bit. “That was my fault. I shouldn’t have snuck out of the club.”
“Exactly. Don’t ever do that again,” he said firmly as he lightly smacked my ass.
“I won’t. I promise.”
“I’m not comfortable with you moving around without someone watching your back right now.”
I sighed, but I knew there was no winning this argument.
