And now? Now everything was different. I couldn’t imagine my life without them.
Not all the money in the world could buy me the happiness and warmth my beautiful and loving Isla brought to my life.
“It’s four o’clock,” she said, just above a whisper.
The doorman assisted us into the lobby of the hotel. My luggage had already been collected. I didn’t think I could stand taking them up to my room and leaving them, so I did as usual when on a business trip and had the bellhop take my bags down early.
“I know, baby.” I veered off to the side where we could have a little privacy for our good-bye. “Sit with me for a minute.”
She rapidly blinked. “Let’s make this quick.” Isla had a tender heart. Good-byes were difficult for her, no thanks to her deadbeat dad, who never returned after he’d promised to bring her a special treat from the store.
“Will you be okay?” I wrapped my arm around her and tucked her into my side.
She nodded, hugging me back. “I never expected we’d be like this. If I had, I would’ve…” Her voice cracked.
“Shh. We’re starting fresh.”
“Are we?” She lifted her head and looked me in the eyes.
“Yes, we are.” I couldn’t hold back and claimed her lips.
Isla didn’t pull away. To prove to her I was worthy of her love, I didn’t let myself get carried away. Even when her tongue sought out mine and lightning shot into my cock, I maintained control.
I broke away and reeled her into my arms. “I want you desperately.”
“I want you too. Sorry it took me so long to get to this point.”
I chuckled. “Twenty-four hours isn’t all that long.”
She kissed my jaw. “It feels like an eternity.”
“It does.”
“Will you call me?”
I reared back, hearing uncertainty in her voice. “Yes.”
She smiled, eyes wet with emotion. “You better get going.”
“Whatever you need, Paolo will see that you get it.” I took out all the bills in my wallet. “Here’s some cash.” I always had at least a grand on me.
“I can’t?—”
“You can and will.” I tucked it into the pocket of Pippa’s diaper bag. “If you need more, Paolo will give you what you need.”
“I won’t need more.”
“Spend it while I’m gone. Buy new clothes for you and Pippa. I don’t care what you spend it on, just spend it.”
“I appreciate it.”
“It’s the least I can do.” I gazed deep into her sweet honey-colored eyes. “I’ll get you a black card, so you’ll always have access to money.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to.” I dragged my hand down my scruffy cheek as I peered at Pippa, peacefully asleep. “I don’t want to leave you both.”
“You said you’d be back by Thursday night, right? The days will fly by, and you’ll return before you can miss us.”
