Page 37 of Smoke
“Do you have to go, Daddy?”
His face softened and he came to sit on the bed.
“That was my personal phone, baby. It was an email,” he explained.
I felt foolish and heat bloomed on my cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Daddy. I just thought...”
“You don’t have to be sorry, baby. Daddy’s sorry he’s caused you to be so scared.”
Sitting up, I climbed in his lap and he held me close.
“I’m quitting, babygirl. It’s time to close that chapter of my life and focus on the next one.”
Even though I felt relief, I didn’t want him to leave something he loved, just because I was scared. “I don’t want you to quit because of me. I’m sure over time I wouldn’t be as scared.”
Yas-huh! We do want him to quit,my Little argued.
“Tough shit. I am quitting because of you. Because you are my reason for living, you are my love, my Little, and my whole damn future and nothing is going to interfere with that, babygirl.”
Chapter Eleven
Smoke
“I’m not used to being on this side of the desk,” Jasper said, staring at me inquisitively. Four days had passed since I’d been shot and each day that I’d been able to spend with Ashley only confirmed I was making the right choice.
“Thank you for coming in,” I said, reciting the words I’d been practicing.
“You’re leaving the team, aren’t you?” he asked.
My heart had been slamming in my chest until he’d said those words. He didn’t seem shocked or even surprised.
“I am.”
He sighed, running his hand through his hair. “I hate that I’m losing you, but I get it.”
“You do?” I asked, trying not to appear as surprised as I was.
“You found a reason to keep living. Truthfully, I thought I’d lose Blade the minute he claimed Eloise. I figure I’ll lose him soon. Bash too. I can’t fault you all for wanting something different— something less dark.”
“You’ve done so much for me. I am really grateful, Jasper. I don’t want you to leave this meeting not knowing that. You gave me a purpose when I felt like I didn’t have any.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You may be leaving the team, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving you. I’ll always be here if you need anything,” he said standing and holding out his hand.
I stood, ignoring his attempt at a handshake and walked around my desk. Surprising us both, I hugged him.
“We had a good run,” Jasper said, hugging me back.
“We did,” I agreed.
“I’m glad you’re going to have an even better future.”
“I’ll stay long enough to help you figure out who set us up,” I said. I hated to give him any more time, especially when it could put me in danger, but Jasper had been good to me and I felt like I at least owed him that.
“No, I know already. It’s been taken care of,” he said.
“You know who set us up?”
