She grins through her watery eyes. “He’s over six feet tall. Covered in tattoos and is a total badass.”
“He seems dangerous.”
“I’ve already been warned.”
“And you’re still going to pursue him?”
“He might look mean and scary on the outside, but he’s a soft, cuddly teddy bear on the inside.”
“Really? Sounds like a pussy.”
She giggles. I love the sound. I never want to hear her sob like that again.
The tears have dried up. Although her eyes still look sad, I know she’ll be alright. She has me in her corner. I’m never going to let her down. Taking her hand, I tug her back to me so she straddles my lap.
Cupping her face, I place a soft kiss on her lips. “What now?”
She sighs. “I’m not sure. I’ll start researching nursing schools and look for a job.”
“You can work at the club. Fuck, you don’t need to work. I’ll give you whatever you want.”
She smiles and rests her palms on my chest. “That’s sweet, but I have to do this on my own. I have enough savings to see me through for a while. And if I run out, I know I can come to you.”
“Don’t ever forget it. I’myours,so whatever I have isyours.”
“See? There’s that soft, cuddly teddy bear.” She pokes my chest and gives a teasing grin.
“Oh yeah? Do I need to prove you wrong?”
“Yes, please.” She laughs.
I flip her onto her back on the couch and hover over her. She squeals with laughter and wraps her legs around my waist, locking me in.
I’m locked in for life.
And there’s no better feeling in the world.
thirty-three
DAISY
Whatawhirlwindthispast week has been. I never imagined my life changing so much in such a short amount of time. It’s exciting and a little scary. My world is wide open.
Researching nursing schools has me buzzing and itching to get started. Even looking for a job is exhilarating. I can apply for any job I want—well, within reason. My qualifications only go so far. I’m happy to wash dishes if that’s what it comes down to. Because it’s what I’ve chosen to do. No one else is guilt-tripping me into doing what they want.
I haven’t spoken with my father all week. He’s sent me a couple of text messages, but I’m not ready to face him. Not when I still have so much anger boiling inside of me. I need it to simmer down first, or I might say something I’ll regret. Although, even after everything he’s done, I hope to one day begin to heal and have a relationship again.
Kade is amazing. He tells me multiple times a day how much he loves me. He has no trouble showing me too. And I don’t justmean sex—although that is amazing. It’s the little things, like rubbing my feet when we’re watching a movie or making me tea in bed every morning. It fills my heart with so much love seeing this big, tattooed man walk into the bedroom holding a dainty cup and saucer.
He's even bought me flowers. It’s the first time he’s ever bought a woman flowers. Never has he stepped into a florist. Not knowing what flowers I liked, he bought out the entire shop. There are vases with colorful blooms spread out throughout the apartment.
An apartment I’ve slept in every night this week.
As I sit in Natasha’s living room cuddling Remi, this week has given me extra time to spend with them. For the short amount of time I’ve known them, Natasha feels like a little sister.
Looking down at the baby’s sweet face, she gives me a small smile. Her eyes light up and sparkle, and I know it’s not gas. “She smiled at me,” I say to Natasha with excitement.
“She’s been doing it a lot lately. It’s so cute.” Natasha beams at her daughter.
