Page 41 of Sinful King
There was a knock at the door before I responded and then Sean walked in, dangling the key I’d given for him to check on my nana whenever he could.
His eyes found mine first and I was sure he’d felt the tension in the room the second he stepped inside.
“I’ll leave,” I said, meeting Sean where he stood. “Whatever you decide to do, I’d like the opportunity to say goodbye. If you need money, let me know.”
I took Sean’s hand and he slipped his fingers through mine as we walked to the elevator together.
My heart hurt a little, maybe I’d been too harsh. Too judgmental like she said.
It’s just… I was experiencing life differently since meeting Sean. And I wanted her to have the same.
At the thought, I let his hand go.
“One second,” I said when he fixed his lips to ask what was up.
I went back to the apartment, found my mom standing in front of the kitchen sink and wrapped my arms around her from behind.
“I’m sorry, mommy,” I whispered, forehead pressed to her back. “I don’t agree with you on this but I love you no matter what, okay? And I’m sorry about nana.”
One day she wouldn’t be here and who knew what our relationship might look like when the time came. I had to love her hard now, because this life was cruel.
She didn’t respond but I took it as an I love you anyway. Every time she dragged us to this very apartment was enough to believe my mom loved me more than she resented me.
I was her tether to my dad,amistake.
But I was here and I would live for myself, even if it meant putting distance between us.
“I’ll go now. Call if you need me, I’m staying with Sean this summer.”
Where I was safe from harm and ridicule.
I met my protector in the hall and took his hand again. We got into the elevator and he pulled my forehead to his before I got to hit the lobby button.
“Day one, huh?”
Our lips brushed as a slow smile began to spread across my face.
“I expected drama but not for my nana to die. She couldn’t wait until after summer and that’s crazy.”
He chuckled and slipped his arms around my waist. But as he leaned back and I got to really focus on his eyes, I noticed they weren’t really here. His mind was somewhere else.
“What’s wrong, little deer? I see it, don’t lie to protect me.”
Sean shook his head and reached out to send us down.
“Grandparents crossed my mind,” he said, running his fingers through my new shoulder length cut.
That expression from before flashed and disappeared in an instant. I wasn’t even sure if I’d actually seen it.
“This made me think of them, that’s all. I should probably go see my grandda soon.”
He took my hand and led me to my car.
“I’m sorry about your nana, Amoy,” he murmured, turning and pressing me against the driver’s door before I could open it. “I love you.”
My heart raced for this man in ways I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of. He soothed me, made everything better without trying too hard.
“I love you, too,” I whispered back, pressing my lips to his. “I’m sorry I called you away from work for nothing. Are you sure it’s okay I stay with you this summer? Maybe—”
