Page 132 of After Hours

Dillon

“I know what you did, Mr. Xander, and I don’t know if I should slap you for not telling me, or kiss you because it helped me a lot,” she said while we were cuddling on the sofa. It was either this woman purposely said things to trip me out, or she was being serious.

I shot my head up and gave her a confused look. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“So you didn’t pay off my entire school loans and every other loan I’ve owed?” She asked and folded her arms.

“Are you mad?” I knew how much she valued her independence, and I didn’t want her to ever feel as if I was trying to take that away from her.

“I’m not mad, but next time, talk to me about it first. You helped me out a lot because I was stressing about not being able to pay it before the deadline, but thank you so much. I really appreciate you.” The sincerity was clear in her voice, and behind her eyes, I could see happiness. Everyone’s dream is to graduate after stressful years at college. I wanted her to have that, and I’d pay any amount of money to get that.

I kissed her softly and said, “Nothing is off-limits when it comes to you and your happiness. I lo— Who the hell is that?” She shrugged and said she doesn’t know but walked to the door to check it. We weren’t expecting any visitors. Maybe it’s one of those delivery guys who sometimes come to the wrong address.

“Dillon, I—”

“Precious,” I called out, “who is it?” I got up from the couch and was shocked when I glanced at the door.

“You didn’t tell me you were expecting your family,” she whispered aggressively.

“I didn’t know they were coming.” There was nothing I hated more than spending quality time with all of them. One is enough to handle, but having all of them here was torture.

My mother made her way inside, and so everyone else entered behind her. I grabbed my phone to text Mara so she could get here. There was no way I was handling this by myself.

Azzarria was tripping out about them being here but I assured her it’ll all be fine and she just needed to calm down. I didn’t even know why she cared because whether they approved or not, I was still going to be with her.

“They don’t like me.”

“I don’t care. I love you.”

I kissed her hard, and she went off to get properly dressed. I dragged on my T-shirt from the sofa, we had sex on earlier and walked into the kitchen where they were seated.

“Why are you all here?” I asked aggressively.

My mother looked at me with her bright green eyes. I assume this was to stir some emotion, but all it did was bring me hatred. The only emotion I associate with her.

“We missed you,” she said, “and we were in the area, so we stopped by.”

My father remained silent, and I couldn’t take it. That bastard came into my home but didn’t acknowledge me. Who does he think he is?

“I’d appreciate it if you came into my home; you would greet me and my girlfriend. She doesn’t like people, so text me the next time before you come. I would still say no and have security hold you off, but common decency has never hurt a soul.” I scoffed and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

“We apologize,” my father said. I know it must’ve taken so much for him to admit how wrong he is. “We’re truly here to see you, son, and this woman of yours.” As he spoke about this, I just remembered what Azzaria told me, and I wouldn’t bring it up now. I’d wait until everyone was here for me to embarrass him the way he needs to be.

They all engaged in their own chatter while I went to the bedroom to check on Azzaria. I planned to spend the whole Saturday making love to her, but now, they’re interrupting me. I don’t like being interrupted.

“Woah,” I gasped, “you look gorgeous. Where are you going?”

She smiled at me and we walked out and saw Mara standing in the living room.

“Mara,” I exclaimed, “how are you?”

She shared a smile. “I’m doing good. How are you? And hey Zar.”

Azzaria walked over to her and they hugged. I loved their bond. It’s the closest Mara ever got to having a sister, and nothing made me happier.

“If you two are done ignoring us,” my mom scolded, “food’s ready.”

I walked both Azzaria and Mara to the table, ensuring I was seated between the two of them. Azzaria didn’t even know how annoying and ruthless these people in front of her were, and Mara, on the other hand, knew it all too well.

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