Page 18 of Fighting the Odds

My stomach growls as I watch him, angry that I’ve not picked up a piece of the enticing food. Grabbing a slice, I raise it to my mouth, taking a bite of the cheesy goodness. I can’t help the groan as the bacon, hamburger, and cheese flavors erupt on my tongue.

“You need to stop making those noises. I’m trying to be good,” he mumbles around a mouthful of food.

“Sorry.” I set my pizza down on my plate, my nerves rattled.

“Don’t be. It’s taking all my willpower to hold back, but once you’re eighteen, you’re all mine. But we need to talk first.”

My heart starts beating erratically. What does he need to talk about? Has he decided I’m too much of a headache for him? I let him in and then all my baggage got dumped on him so I can’t blame him.

“Who are those guys that were here yesterday? Are you seeing one of them?”

This is it.

Chapter 9

Sierra

Who do I say they are? I thought Zander, Braxton and I were getting close, but now, after what happened, do they even want to still talk to me? The room spins, and my stomach is tied into knots.

“They go to school with me.” I can’t even face him, instead I stare at my pizza, picking a piece of hamburger off of it, putting it in my mouth.

“Okay, but who are they? Two of them went head to head with me, so they must be more than just classmates.” He takes hold of my chin with his fingers, turning my head to face his.

“They…” I stammer, but nothing else comes out.

“Come on baby, talk to me.” He releases my chin, allowing his fingers to glide along the edge of my face, pushing my hair behind my ear.

“They’re brothers and new to school this year. I met Braxton, the twin fighting you, while I was out back to school shopping with Sam. The other one who jumped onto you is Zander. We are partners for a school project. They’ve been really nice to me, and like me. The other twin is Colton, and he hates me. Maybe they all do now.”

I will not cry.

“Why do you think that?”

“You saw what they walked in on. How I looked. I bet the entire school knows at this point. I still don’t know why you’re here? Hell, I can’t even process everything, with Rico, and him being my uncle. How he knew who I was and was raising Sam, taking care of both of us since Mom died. My mind is overrun with questions, but all I can feel right now is my heart breaking about not having Sam.” My hands cover my face as my body heaves in sobs. I have no control over my emotions right now.

“No, you’re not going to get down on yourself. Not around me. You’re gorgeous and a woman any man would give his left nut to be with. If anything, they should see what a strong and amazing woman you are to have withstood everything you’ve endured in your life. I know I do. And the minute you turn eighteen, you’re mine. And even if I have to share you with them, I don’t care. All I want is you.”

My head jerks up to look at him with wide eyes. Did he just say what I think he did?

“Share me?” I ask slowly, my face flush.

“Yes, share. If you like these boys, who am I to say you can’t be with them? But if they treat you like shit or attempt to make you feel less than what you are, I'll end them.” My jaw drops. He can’t mean that, can he?

“But why would you be willing to share me with someone else? How is that fair to you?”

He smiles as he reaches up, tracing his fingers along my lips before leaning in and kissing me softly. A kiss so tender it has me wanting more when he pulls away.

“I’d rather share you than not have you at all. More men in your life just means more people to look out for you and Sam and make sure you’re both taken care of and treated like the queens you are.”

Cyrus Donaldson is a unicorn. One I’m so grateful to have in my life.

“How can you feel that way about me?” I lift my gaze to him, as I worry my lip.

“Baby, that’s a stupid question. How can I not? Since the day I saw you in the club, I’ve wanted you. To know anything and everything I could about you. What makes you happy, sad and even what turns you on. I’ve gone to bed so many nights dreaming of finding out what every inch of your body looks like. You own me, Sierra Jones, heart and soul. For eternity.”

I don’t know what overcomes me, but I turn in the chair and throw myself on him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“I don’t want to wait,” I whisper in his ear. “Besides, I’m good at keeping secrets.” The more I press my face into his neck, the more muffled my words become.

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