“Go ahead. Color, baby,” she says softly.
Sera can probably sense the tension, but she sits back down on the floor with her crayons and paper.
I step closer to Aaron.
“You need to stop,” I say, voice low and dangerous.
“Or what?” he asks quietly.
“Or I’ll forget we’re in a professional building.”
Alie steps between us, her hand on my chest. “Okay, let’s just stop this here.”
I look at her.
“He’s the problem, Alie. Not me. ”
She looks up at me, curiously, and maybe a little proud.
“Did you really do that to his face?” She tugs on my shirt.
“Ball was slippery, baby. Let’s call it an equipment malfunction.”
“Uh, huh. Right.” She smirks.
I wink at Aaron and give him a big ol’ fuck you smile.
He steps toward the door like a petulant child, muttering something under his breath.
I look at my daughter and see her looking from Aaron to Alie.
Stepping forward, I point at the door. “You heard her. Out.”
He huffs like the little pussy he is, slams the door behind him, and immediately the room feels lighter. Like someone finally opened a window after years of stale air.
“Unc mad?” Sera asks.
Alie crouches beside her. “It’s okay, baby. I promise.” She smooths Sera’s hair back from her face, pressing a kiss to her temple.
I reach for Alie’s hand and pull her to me.
“Are you okay?”
She nods slowly.
“God, I’m so sorry,” she whispers.
“Alie, stop apologizing. He manipulated you.” I tug her in closer, needing to feel her in my arms.
She exhales shakily.
“Hey,” I lift her chin with my finger.
Her eyes are glassy.
“I love you,” I tell her quietly. “I love her.”
She nods, tears in her eyes. “Are you going to be able to forgive me?”
