Page 9 of His Love

My stomach felt heavy at his offer. Accepting help from people was hard when you’d only had yourself to count on.

“No, it’s okay. You’re already taking care of me.”

“Paisley, I want to take care of you. I enjoy it. Let me help you, baby.”

“Really, it’s okay. I usually spend the night in the shop so it’s not such a bad drive.”

He stopped midstep. “You sleep at the shop?”

Chapter Four

Axel

I did not like the words that had come out of Paisley’s mouth. What did she mean she slept at the shop?

“Yes, the owner lets me sleep there, so I don’t have to drive all the way home just to come back the next morning.”

“Is he there?” I hated how possessive I sounded, but Paisley was a sweet baby. I didn’t want to see her putting herself at risk.

“No, he sleeps with his wife at their house,” she replied with a laugh.

I grimaced. “I deserved that.”

“Maybe a little. It’s nice that you care, though. Since the shop is so far away, they let me work thirteen hour shifts, so I can work three days and then come home. I have four days off in between my shifts. They’re really nice to me. I’m thankful Emily helped me get the job. Well, Rouge helped me get it, but you know what I mean.”

I did know what she meant. Rouge was Emily’s twin sister and she worked at the same shop. I was thankful she’d helped Paisley get the job too. I loved Strickland but it was small and we didn’t have a local, multi-service, good-quality tattoo shop. The shop Rouge worked at was actually expanding and opening a location here. I was glad that Paisley wouldn’t have to commute anymore. She was very talented and I was glad she was able to showcase that at the shop with her piercings.

“I’m glad they’re good to you, baby. You deserve good things.” I carried her into my room and tucked her under the covers. “I’m going to get you some medicine, and I’ll be right back.”

She nodded.

I walked back into my bedroom and set the cup on the nightstand before handing her a package of peanut butter crackers. Her meds needed to be taken with food.

She ate three before handing me the pack back.

“One more?” I encouraged.

Paisley sighed but ate a fourth one.

“Good girl,” I praised.

After taking a few sips of water and her medication-with no complaining- I tucked her in and kissed her forehead. “Okay, baby. I’ll be in the guest room. I double checked that you have my number in case you need me. You call or text and I’ll be right here.”

“Nu,” she whined.

“Nu, what, baby?”

“Don’t leave me. I’ll be so scared.”

“You don’t have to be scared. I’m just going to be down the hall.”

“Nu,” she whined again. “Stay?”

“Stay here with you?”

Paisley nodded.

“Until you fall asleep or all night?”

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