Page 49 of Royal

I look at the clock. “We need to pick up Penny from school.”

“I can go get her and bring back dinner so you can spend time with Shane?” Royal suggests.

“I think that’s a great idea."

“Want me to take Donovan with me?” he asks, but Donovan zooms by on his bike and I laugh.

“I think he is just fine here. He will stay on that thing for hours.”

Royal kisses me softly one last time before leaving." He seems good to you, sis,” Shane tells me once the door is shut.

“He has been so great. We met while I was living in the trailer, and he was scared that something would happen to me. He even had someone sit outside of my house to make sure I stayed safe.”

Shane finishes his beer. “I’m glad he took care of you, or I’d have to beat his ass.”

I snort, laughing. “You’re crazy.”

I don’t want my brother to be far away from me now that I have him home. I remember how in the basement there is a closed-off area that can pass off as an apartment. It has a small kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom.

“I will be right back,” I tell him and pick up my phone to ensure it’s okay to ask Shane to stay.

“Miss me already?” Royal says when he picks up.

I laugh. “Yes, I do. I wanted to ask if Shane could stay in the apartment in the basement?”

“Of course. That’s fine, baby. You didn’t even have to ask. Love you,” he says before hanging up. I keep my phone to my ear, loving how he just said he loved me so easily.

It’s as easy as breathing, loving this man.

“Bub, can I show you something?” I yell from the living room while I pick up Donovan's hundreds of toys on the couch.

“Yeah?” He looks confused.

I lead him downstairs to the basement. Shane is giving me weird looks like I’m taking him to his death.

It seems a little weird. Donovan is holding my hand as I help him down the stairs. “He does look like me,” Shane says.

“He does. I was happy that he did. You were my best friend my whole life.”

At the bottom of the stairs, he hugs me. “I love you too, sis.” I swallow hard, trying not to get emotional.

I push open the door and turn on the light. It’s a cute place, and with a few touches, it could be homier. “This place is sitting empty. Would you like to stay here? You will have your own space, so the kids won’t bug you much.”

He looks at me in shock.

“Plus, we have the crazies going around. It would be safer.” I know that part would get him, and he wouldn’t be able to resist staying to ensure we are safe.

“You know I can’t say no to that,” he tells me, and I laugh.

“Well, I am rich now, and you will let me use that money on you. I will buy you a house and set up a career for you, whatever you want.” I know he wants to argue. “If you don’t let me do it, then I will buy the biggest, ugliest house.” He rolls his eyes. “I know you have saved your money over the years, but use that for whatever. If it weren’t for you, I would probably be dead. You protected me from Mom’s boyfriends, who used to look at me weirdly. I remember how you would sleep in front of my bedroom door in case they tried to sneak in.”

His face shows his pain. “Fuck, I was terrified that I wouldn’t be there one day and they would hurt you.”

I hug him again. “You have been the best big brother, Shane, and that’s why I wouldn’t let my burdens be yours anymore.”

“You will never be a burden to me,” he tells me, and the tears slip free.

“Mommy cryin’.” Donovan pats me on my leg to get my attention. Shane reaches down and scoops him off the ground, holding him on his hip.

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