"I don't fucking care what you call it!" I snap and force myself to take a deep breath. "How many times do you need to be hurt while you're on your own and nobody knows where the hell you are before you realize it's okay to need others?!"
Well shit. That didn't come out right.
"I was fine. Josh was there, and the MC guy?—"
"You werenotfine. And Tucker was only there because he works forme! Your safety is mine to ensure, and you're making it incredibly hard, Violet. Why didn't you tell me where you were going?"
She shrugs and looks away. "I don't know. Where's my phone?"
Narrowing my gaze at her, I try to strategize how to get her to listen. "You don't need it right now. All you'll find on there are twenty messages from me begging you to call me. To let me know you made it to your destination safely. You'll also find texts from Nate and Ellis wondering if you were okay. Cassidy also texted saying good luck after I dropped her off."
"Oh."
"Yeah," I huff. "Oh. Are you testing me, Violet?"
Her nose scrunches up. "What the heck does that mean? This is an overreaction. That guy was drunk and handsy. Shit like that always happens at bars."
"Yeah, but falling off cliffs and going MIA for way too long isnot. Part of being in a relationship is considering other people’s feelings. I have no problem with you going out with your friend, but I need reassurance too. You scared the shit out of me.Again.So I ask, are you testing me? Trying to figure out if I care enough to put my foot down?"
That little nose scrunches again as she looks at me like I'm crazy. "Put your foot down?"
"I've let you lead us for years. You want to know if I love you enough to keep you safe, even from yourself? I’m dominant enough to make some rules."
"Jamie, this is ridiculous!" she snaps and stands from the bed. "I don't need rules. This isn't some romance novel."
"You're right. It's real fucking life and you've gotten hurt too many fucking times. So from now on, you'll answer safety questions and check your phone when I text you. You won't ignore me, and you'll update me. Not because I want to ruin your fun, but because I can't stand thethoughtof losing you."
"I—"
"No." I stand and crowd her against the wall. "I'm not budging. I'm scared out of my fucking mind because I love you so much. All I'm demanding is better communication.Please."
Eyes ping ponging back and forth between mine, Violet looks like she's about to panic. I don't move. I'm completely fucking serious. My body has been poised to strike since she ignored my first message last night.
"You won't take my independence away?" she asks softly, as if she's terrified of my answer.
Shaking my head adamantly, I place my hands on her cheeks. "Never. Your independence is who you are. Just help my poor heart out and prioritize your safety before you give me another fucking heart attack."
"You are pretty old," she deflects with a cheeky grin. "But if only to keep you from graying more, I'll be better at communicating."
"And you'll give me my own ringtone so you know to check your phone," I add, thinking about how to make this easier.
"Sure." I narrow my eyes, and she rolls hers. "Yes, Sir.”
"Good girl," I murmur, so fucking relieved. "I love you."
Rising onto her tiptoes, she wraps her arms around my neck. "I'll love you more if you make me waffles."
"Is that why you were so agreeable?" I accuse and lift her to wrap her legs around my waist. "So you could get breakfast sooner?"
The butterfly kisses she gives me are so adorable I melt as I carry her to the bathroom. "It's not my fault you're always trying to have the big conversations when I'mstarving."
Chuckling, I set her down near the toilet. As she does her business and I get our toothbrushes ready, I think about the last time she demanded waffles in the middle of a big talk. That was when I professed my love for her. She replied by begging me to get her waffles.
Damn it. Smart girl knows how to sidestep a long discussion.Apparently I'm caveman enough to jump at the desire to feed my woman because I bend every time she asks me to feed her.
"Waffles?" she mumbles around her toothbrush and bats her eyelashes.
Spitting, I agree, knowing how to wiggle my way further into her heart. "And bacon."
