Page 19 of Fighting the Odds

“Don’t tempt me, baby.” His raspy voice vibrates against my skin. “Now eat, then we can discuss us.”

He lets go of me, and my body instantly misses his warmth. Cyrus comforts me in ways I’ve never realized.

We eat in silence, each of us stealing glances at the other. I know I’ve had a goofy smile on my face the entire time. Then it hits me; I’m smiling and Sam isn’t with me. I can’t talk to her or see her. But I can talk to Zander and Braxton. Maybe there’s a small chance that they’ll tell me how she is, maybe even send me some pictures. But I can’t do anything until Rico picks up my stuff from the foster home.

Rico! I still can’t believe he’s my uncle and I’ve been naked in front of him. It makes me want to vomit, yet I still want to go back there and work. I have to, it’s the only way I can make enough money to show I can take care of Sam. Thankfully, he swore he never watched me dance or looked at me when I wasn’t dressed. As I think back, I realize he’s telling the truth. Why didn’t I notice it then?

Every time I danced, he wouldn’t be on the floor and when he was, he’d act like it would damage his eyes to look at me. Even in the dressing room, he’d stare at the floor or ceiling if I was in there. I thought I just repulsed him.

I somehow get down two slices of pizza before I push the plate away, unable to stomach any more. “What time is it, Cyrus?”

He looks down at this watch. “Eight. You want to watch a movie, get to know one another, or are you ready to head back to bed?”

“We can talk. But can we go back to the bedroom? How did I get in bed, anyway? The last thing I remember is us sitting on the couch.”

“You fell asleep, so I carried you to bed. But when I laid you down, I didn’t want to leave you. I thought I had lost you forever.”

“Me too. Those guys, the ones you asked about, their father wanted to foster me. I got excited because I thought both Sam and I could go there, but we couldn’t because someone lied and said I was abusing her. So, I asked him to take her instead, knowing she’d be taken care of. I just miss her so much. I know it’s only been a day, but I do.”

Cyrus stands, taking the empty plate to the sink, and quickly washes it, placing it in the strainer. He steps back over to me and pulls my chair out, slipping one arm behind me, the other under my knees. Without a word, he hoists me up into the air, cradling me against his hard chest. My heart races, being this close to him. I’m not sure how to feel. Love, hurt, anger, the whole stratosphere of emotions running rampant through my body, all battling to be the one in control.

“We’re going to get her back. But at least you know she’s somewhere where she will be treated well until that happens. Not what you want, but it’s a bright light shining through the darkness.” I rest my head on his shoulder, nuzzling into his neck, letting the rocking motion soothe me as he carries me to my room.

He sits me down on the edge of the bed before kneeling down on the floor in front of me. “Want to go ahead and put on some pajamas?”

I nod my head and go to stand, but he places his hands on my thighs, squeezing gently.

“I’m going to stay with you tonight. I would, even if Rico hadn’t asked me to. But I need to know if it’s okay if I sleep with you. I just want to hold you in my arms.”

“Yes.” I don’t want him to leave. I think having him close is the only way I’ll be able to sleep through the night.

“Good. Now can I sleep in my boxers, baby? If not, I’ll check what clothes are here and see if I can find something.”

“Boxers are fine.” I clear my throat, feeling my cheeks flush.

“Okay, I’m going to give you a minute to change, double check the lights are out, and get us something to drink.”

I watch him leave, my eyes focused on his ass. How can this smart, handsome man really want me? An almost eighteen-year-old stripper with nothing to offer.

Standing, I step over to my dresser and pull out a pair of sleep shorts and a shirt. I slowly undress, removing everything but my panties.

“Every time I see the marks on your body, I want to rip apart everyone who has ever laid a hand on you.” I jump at his words, quickly turning and holding my hands to my chest.

“You scared me!” I wrap my arms tighter around myself, covering all that I can. I’m not sure why, especially since he’s seen me at the club in way less and helped me take a bath.

“Sorry, baby. Please don’t hide yourself from me. I love your body.”

“Okay, but it’s just at the club—” I gulp as I turn back around and get dressed. The whole time I can feel his eyes on me.

“Don’t forget you’re mine. Never be embarrassed or cover yourself around me. And Lilac or not, you are the person I love. Your dancing doesn’t make you less in my eyes. It shows me you’re strong, and if I have to remind you of that every day until you finally realize it, I will.”

His words send a tendril of warmth licking up my spine and fluttering in my belly. Turning to face him, I smile before moving over to the bed and climbing in. Cyrus walks to the other side and slides under the covers, turning so he faces me, propping himself up on his elbow.

“What if I told you I want to call you my girl now? I know you’re only seventeen and I’m twenty. It’s not a huge difference, but you’re still considered a minor.”

“I don’t care,” I say forcefully. Why let the world dictate whether or not it’s okay for us to be together? They didn’t care when they left me and Sam with Sarah.

“We will just need to be careful for a little longer.” He slides his hand through my hair and pulls me to him, pressing his lips to mine.

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