“You have a car like Bumblebee,” he gushes, eyes wide.
“Of course. The moment I won my first ever case, I went out and bought it,” I tell him with pride.
Once he’s strapped in, I jog around the front of the car, slide into the driver’s seat, and turn on the ignition. Oscar squeals with delight as the engine rumbles to life. I laugh at his enthusiasm before putting the car into drive and making the short journey to the comic bookstore.
Chapter Thirty-Six
THEO
Two weeks later, Blake and I finally manage to get back to the nightclub that I’m ninety-nine percent sure has something to do with Harper. The bass of a bad dance track plays as I push my way through the crowd, Blake’s small hand engulfed in mine.
The minute she opened her apartment door, I was speechless at how stunning she looked in her black dress with her long hair in a ponytail and her makeup smoky, enhancing the brown of her eyes. Every inch of the dress hugged her curves, and my mouth watered at the sight.
We finally reach the bar, and I catch a few men eyeing my woman—hungry, lingering looks I don’t appreciate.
Don’t get into a fight, Theo. Don’t get into a fight.
Wrapping an arm around Blake’s waist, I pull her closer, basically as close as I can get her. Insecurities start shouting at me, but I ignore them. I won’t let them ruin this. Working with Mike and spending time with Oscar has helped mute those voices somewhat. Helped menotice when they try to sneak in so I can push them away and not let them get to me. I still have bad days, but it’s a hell of a lot better than it used to be. I mean, I still act like a child, but I think that’s just my personality now and who I am as a person.
Taking Oscar to the comic bookstore a couple of weeks ago wasn’t some life-changing moment—for him—but for me, it meant everything. Watching his face light up as he stepped inside, his eyes darting from shelf to shelf, was something I won’t forget. I had to stop myself from buying the entire damn place just to see that look on his face every day.
While we were there, I cautiously asked if he’d want to join my MMA classes. I was terrified he’d shut the idea down, but instead he got excited and said he’d love to. After buying him a ton of toys he didn’t need, we grabbed dinner at the Mexican on the corner opposite. We stuffed ourselves full, arguing over which episode of Transformers was better, and then he fell asleep in the car on the drive back.
I had to fight back tears as I watched his face glow beneath the passing streetlights. I hated waking him when we reached his mom’s place, but he let me carry him inside and tuck him into bed.
I’ve never felt so whole in my entire life.
Blake clutches onto my arm, bringing me out of my thoughts. She reaches up as if she needs to talk to me, so I dip my head to her level.
“The manager is by the DJ booth,” she shouts.
I glance behind her, and sure as hell, the guy’s standing there with a smug look on his face in a suit that really needs to be tailored to his lanky ass, and a girl clinging to his arm.
He didn’t give me a good vibe the minute I met him, and I’ve got a funny feeling he’s behind a lot of the girls going missing. Should I leave this type of stuff to the police? Yeah, but I also know how unreliablethey are. I’ve long realized that if you want the job done right, do it yourself.
After ordering drinks for us, I lean against the bar, surveying the area. Habitat is packed to the rafters, full of young kids dancing their cares away. This was me at eighteen, running from the horrors life had already shown me by drowning them in alcohol and drugs to make myself feel better, if only just for a minute. Then I grew up, stopped the drugs, and threw myself into work instead.
Noticing the lingering looks still being sent Blake’s way, I tug her into me again, so her back is pressed against my chest. I lean down to her ear, enjoying the feel of her chest heaving up and down under the hand splayed across her front. Running my nose along the nape of her neck, I breathe deeply, allowing her scent to settle my anxieties. She exhales and relaxes back against me, moving her neck to the side slightly.
The caveman in me roars in triumph that she’s not pushing me away. That she’s not telling me to get fucked. We’re toeing the line of something we might not be able to come back from, but she’s worth it. She’s always been worth it.
The last couple of weeks have been incredible. Not only have I been able to start really forming a relationship with my son, but I’m also forming a new bond with Blake. It’s scary, the way she can quiet the voices in my head with just one look. I don’t even think she’s realized she’s doing it or how it’s affecting me.
My dick begins to thicken in my slacks, pushing against her back. I’m just about to move, to hide my growing desire for her, but as always, she surprises me and grinds gently against my erection.
Should I pull away? Yes.
Do I? Nope.
I bite down gently on the curve of her neck, the one that drives me nuts when she’s reading a book and her hair’s in a ponytail. Blake’s breathing hitches as I bite just that little bit harder, sucking slightly on the skin. It won’t bruise, but it will leave a red mark for these assholes to see. To know that she belongs to someone. If I could tattoo the words ‘property of Theo’ across her forehead, I would. Because she’s mine, and she’ll always be mine.
“Theo?” Her words are low, but I can hear them all the same, even over the music.
“Dance with me, firefly.” I don’t ask, I tell.
Blake pulls away from me, indecision warring on her face. Finally, she gives me a smirk before turning on her heel and sashaying to the dance floor. And do I watch? You bet your fucking ass I do. Blake’s always had a curvy figure, and since having Oscar, she’s filled out more and looks all the better for it. Pulling myself out of my gaping, I make my way over to her, taking her in as she dances to the new song that’s playing.
Stopping behind her, I begin rolling my hips. I’m not the world's greatest dancer, but I’ve got moves. I don’t touch her, though, I’m just there like an ever-present shadow, mirroring her. I promised her and myself that nothing would happen, that we’d be friends. Hell, we’re supposed to be here tonight watching the manager and trying to get answers, but as usual, Blake’s taking up every bit of space in my head.
