Page 34 of Worth Risking It

Stacking the items on the racks, I swung open the cabinet door beneath the sink to get a tablet, put it in the slot, and sealed it. I slammed the washer closed, stabbing the buttons to start the cycle.

I was fuming, blocking out their chatter of Wyatt’s old flames that could be possible baby making material. Draining the water, I turned on the faucet to clean the sink, the sponge squeaking, I was scrubbing so hard.

“You okay, baby girl?”

“Yeah, fine. I’m fine.”

He brought his empty plate to me and set it on the counter, his palm at the small of my back. Instantly, my hostility waned with a huff. Tossing my hair off my brow, I looked up at him, trying my damndest to hide my pout.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I just don’t like being the reason you’re fighting with your dad.”

“You’re not the reason, baby girl, they are. I told you, that snide remark at your birthday is the last time I’ll allow that.” His finger traced from my ear to my chin along my jawline. “I’m spending the rest of my life with the most amazing woman in the world. If he can’t deal with that, he doesn’t get the privilege of having you in his life.”

My muscles sagged, my forehead laying on his shoulder. “Thank you.”

He rubbed my bicep and kissed the top of my head. “Come on, give me a kiss. I gotta go.”

Shaking my hair out my face, I tipped toward him and placed my lips to his. His tongue thrust forward, and I could taste the sweet and savory flavors of his breakfast.

Slowly tapering off to a few tiny pecks, he pinched my ass cheek and winked. “See you tonight, sexy. Ready, Frank?”

“Yup.” He set his empty plate and glass next to the sink, as well, flicking my ear with his middle finger. “Later, Chazz.”

“Bye, guys.”

They shuffled out the kitchen and about a minute later, the heavy front door closed behind them.

Sighing, I plugged the sink and refilled it, just now realizing I started the dishwasher too soon. I would just wash these by hand. It would give me something to distract my mind.

The feet on the stool scraped the floor, indicating Wyatt was standing. I tossed the dirty dishes into the water, hastily reaching for Wyatt’s plate when he set it down. My palm touched a small, velvet box instead. My brows furrowing, I looked down at the black container. I cut the water off and spun around to stare at him.

“What’s that?”

“Your Christmas present. Can’t really give you one when anyone else is around, so I thought I’d give it to you now.”

I wiped my hands on a dishcloth, staring at the box, my heart thudding on my ribs. Shaking, I picked it up and lifted the lid. A thin, gold chain laid inside with a small, diamond circle pendent. My fingertips brushed over it, my emotions rising.

Carefully lifting the necklace, he turned me around and brushed my hair to the side. Draping it over my chest to clasp it behind my neck, he whispered, “In my world, when a man like me claims a woman, he puts a collar on her with a hook, so everyone knows she’s owned. I can’t do that,” he stated with a hitch in his tone. “So, this is the closest I could find.”

Sadness twisted my heart, my fingers gently patting the pendant. Smoothing my hair down my back, he once again turned me to face him, his expression full of torment.

“I was going to wait a few more days to give you that, but after that conversation you just heard, I wanted you to know that no matter what I have to do.”

He took my chin between his index and thumb, searching my eyes. “You’re my girl, Chazzy. I know I have no choice but to share you, and Milo has your heart, but I have your soul. Just know when I find someone to give me a kid, it’s because it’s what I’m supposed to do, and not because I want anyone but you.”

A tear trickled down my cheek, the pain in my chest unbearable. I had to share Milo with other women, and now Wyatt. Why could I not have a man all to myself? It wasn’t fair.

My hands on his sides, I whimpered, closed my eyes, and laid my head in the center of his chest. He rubbed up and down my back, nuzzling his mouth in my hair at my crown.

“Just don’t think about it, okay, kitten? In this lifestyle, we sometimes have to do things we never want to, but it’s all about survival. My son will never leave your kid’s side, ever. He will never let your baby get hurt, be abandoned, or face life alone. I am honored to give your future kid that companion.”

“I love Milo, I really, really do, but I…I…” Groaning, I lifted my head and gazed at him with sorrow. I couldn’t tell him I loved him, as well. I would take that secret to my grave.

I swiped at my tears and coughed, sniffling my emotions down. “I have to finish washing these dishes before we head to Wanderlust.”

He nodded and put distance between us, pausing for a moment before leaving the kitchen. Once again focusing on the sink, I went through the motions quickly.