Page 88 of Prickly Romance

Ashanti: Thanks for your help yesterday, Ryo. We were able to meet the studio exec you recommended.

I tilt my head back in the seat and close my eyes.

Ashanti’s call seemed to destroy the fragile camaraderie that had formed between me and Dejonae during lunch at Miko San. What I overheard between Dejonae and her sister last night only confirms this.

I don’t want any misunderstandings.

Her words echo in my brain and I breathe in slowly, forcing the thought aside. This is the kind of obsession that can destroy a man. I refuse to stumble down a thorny path for a woman who is smart enough to avoid taking a step in my direction.

No matter how enchanting Dejonae is.

No matter how much Niko loves her.

No matter how much she takes over my thoughts.

The car slows in front of Niko’s school. I peer through the window. My heart soars when I see my daughter surrounded by her friends.

Usually, Niko is sitting under a tree, looking bored and alone. It broke my heart every time, which was why I found it hard to pick her up after school.

However, since Alistair invited us to the farmhouse and Niko made new connections, there has not been a day when she was alone.

Today, I recognize three of the faces around her.

Micheal, the older boy with the dark hair and somber personality.

Bailey, the energetic younger brother with the glasses.

And Beth, Max and Dawn Stinton’s bright and well-spoken younger daughter.

Niko has mentioned that Belle’s school ends at an earlier time, which is why they do not meet in the evenings.

Akira smiles softly. “She seems happy when she is with them.”

“They are good kids.” I glance at Akira. “I am glad to hear you acknowledge this without any preconceived notions.”

Her ears tinge red. “I did some self-reflection.” She pauses. “What matters is Niko’s happiness and safety. This has always been my concern. It is my wish for you too.”

Niko notices the car. She waves to her friends, who grin and wave back.

I open the door and meet her on the sidewalk. She wraps her arms around me and my heart rocks with love. My daughter is my sunshine. I do not remember my life before her and I have no desire to go back to a time before I knew her either.

I nod to Beth, Micheal and Bailey.

The children wave and smile happily.

“How was school?” I sign to Niko when she is settled with her seatbelt on.

“It was fun.” Her eyes burn with more excitement than I have seen in weeks. “I ate lunch with Bailey and Beth.” Her smile widens when she signs Beth’s name. “She knows a lot about cars.”

“Well, her mother is a mechanic.” I twist my finger like a wrench.

She grins. “That doesn’t mean anything. My mom is a singer,” she gestures. “But I can’t sing.”

“That’s not true. You have a beautiful voice.”

She rolls her eyes.

Whether she believes me or not, she cannot deny the truth. Niko rarely speaks, but the few times when she has tried, it is always an emotional experience.

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