Page 33 of The Thug And His Doll

“Crystal,” I reply, my fucking gut twisting.

It’s not that I give a fuck about Fraser. He’s a thorn in our side and a sleazeball with a rap sheet of violence, theft, burglary and aggravated assault as long as my arm, but I do give a fuck about bringing trouble to my door, especially now I have Lia and Toby to think about too.

“Then I suggest you get going. Report back to me once you’ve paid him a visit,” Carl says, dismissing me with a flick of his hand.

I have no choice but to do as he demanded If I don’t then my agreement with Carl will be null and void, and there’s no way I’m going to allow him to fuck up Daisy’s life like he’s intent on fucking up mine. I’d rather die first.

TEN

LIA

“You didn’t have to cook for us,” Daisy says as she sits down at the kitchen island a few hours later. She’s dressed in pyjamas covered in cartoon unicorns, her freshly washed hair piled up on her head in a loose bun. Despite being a rich woman, there are no airs and graces. I like that about her. She’s down to earth.

“It’s the least I can do,” I reply, busying myself with dishing up the lasagna onto four separate plates and placing the freshly made garlic bread onto the centre of the kitchen island. “Besides, cooking makes me happy.”

“It’s a wonder you found enough ingredients to put this together.”

“You have a freezer full of meat, and I was able to make the pasta, garlic bread and sauce from scratch using the ingredients in your pantry. Believe me, there’s enough food to feed the five-thousand in your cupboards.”

Daisy meets my gaze, grinning. “Well that’s just perfect because me and Drix love to eat. It’s been a while since we’ve enjoyed a home cooked meal.”

“Neither of you cook then?”

She shakes her head. “Hubert was the cook in this house, and since he’s been gone Drix and I have basically eaten takeaways most nights, or at the cafe. Pretty sure that we’ve single-handedly kept Daphne in business.”

“Who’s Hubert and where did he go?” Toby asks innocently.

Daisy gives him a soft smile. “Hubert was mine and Drix’s dad. He had to go on a new adventure, someplace that Drix and I can’t follow.”

“An adventure like mine and Mama’s?”

“Not quite, no,” Daisy replies quietly, looking to me for help.

“You remember when I explained how Nana went over the rainbow bridge into the sky, Toby? Hubert has gone to that special place too,” I explain, hoping that’s enough to keep his questions at bay.

He frowns. “The place where angels go?”

“That’s right. Where all the good people go,” I reply as Daisy turns her head away, blinking back tears.

At a loss for words, we fall silent as I pass the plates to them both.

“It smells so good, Mama,” Toby says, watching me closely as I cut up his portion so it’s easier for him to eat.

“Thank you, darling,” I reply, pressing a kiss against the top of his head before glancing at the clock on the wall. “Do you think I should put Drix’s to one side so he can heat it up when he gets back?”

“I texted him half an hour ago. He said he’d be home for dinner. I’m sure he won’t be long now. We should get started,” she replies, digging into her food, her eyes lighting up as she chews. “Oh my God, this is amazing!”

I smile, a warm feeling thrumming in my veins at her appreciation. It’s been a long time since someone has complimented my food. It feels good.

“Mama is the best cook ever,” Toby adds, stuffing his mouth with a forkful of food.

“She sure is!” Daisy agrees.

Taking a seat, I begin to eat, glancing at the plate left for Drix. Daisy notices.

“Drix is like a bloodhound when it comes to food. He won’t miss this, especially not since I told him you were cooking us all lasagna. You wait, he’ll be here any minute.” And, as if she called him into being, the front door slams shut and Daisy chuckles. “Told you!”

“Is that lasagna I smell?” comes the deep timber of Drix’s voice, nerves fluttering through me at the sound.

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