Page 35 of Fighting the Odds

We cried. Hugged. Then cried some more.

Mrs. Butler felt guilty that she couldn’t take us. She went to CPS, but because she wasn’t licensed and not a direct family member, she wasn’t eligible.

Knowing someone actually cared that much about Sam and me is comforting. Honestly, we wouldn’t have made it this far on our own if it hadn’t been for her helping us when we needed it. I wouldn’t have been able to work without her watching Sam.

She was just as shocked as I was to find out that Rico was my uncle this whole time. She wasn’t too happy that he let me dance in his club, though.

Mrs. Butler made it known that she and Ricochet Williams were going to have a long conversation.

I would love to be a fly on the wall when that takes place.

Cyrus glances my way, his lips curling up in a sinful smile. “Have a good visit?”

I close the door and lock it before making my way over to him.

“I did. Mrs. Butler is happy I’m here, but upset that Sam isn’t and that she couldn’t take us in. She also is very eager to meet Rico.” I laugh, imagining that conversation. Mrs. Butler is scary when she’s mad. Cyrus moves the notebook off his lap and drops his pen on the couch.

“Come here, baby.” He pats his thighs. I step in front of him and he takes my hands, guiding me down on his lap as he kisses me. “I’ve missed you. But is it weird I want to be there when she meets him? She’s a feisty old woman and I bet she’ll give him an ear full.”

“Umm, no. I was thinking the same thing.” He strokes his fingers up the length of my arm as I lean more into his warmth.

“Thank you, Cyrus.” My breath hitches. I have so much to say, but don’t know where to begin. Losing Sam, then the whole Rico and Wesley reveal. I’m almost at my breaking point.

“For what?”

“You’ve always been kind to me. It never mattered to you that I was a stripper. When you found me beaten so badly, you stepped in to help, and didn’t run away after finding out that I lied about my age and the situation I was in. You’re even okay with me having feelings for other guys. No one else would do that. Just thank you for being you. I don’t know what I would have done without you or how I’ll ever repay you.”

“There’s nothing to repay, Sierra. Like I’ve said already, I love you. Now and always. Nothing will change that.” His voice is tender yet strong as he looks me in the eye.

My stomach erupts with butterflies and my heart races. How can this man be so perfect?

“Are you still planning to go to school on Friday? Sure you don’t want to wait and start fresh next week?” Despite his pressed lips, I know he’s not mad, just concerned. If it was up to him, I don’t think he’d ever let me return to that shithole.

“No. I think I’m going to go back tomorrow instead. The longer I wait, the harder it’ll be, and I might as well get it over with.” I sigh, cuddling up closer to him, needing the security he provides.

“I know you’re a superwoman, but don’t rush it. You’re still healing. You said one day, so let’s stick to that. Then you’ll know if you’re ready to return to work at the club.” He gives me a stern look, like a father would, and I can’t help but giggle.

There’s no way in hell I’m going to think of Cyrus Donaldson as my daddy.

Well, I don’t hate the idea completely. The women in my books seem to find it a turn-on. Maybe I have my own daddy kink…

“Oh, Mrs. Butler wants us to come for dinner tomorrow night.”

“Hell yeah. That woman can cook. There’s no way in hell I’m turning down one of her meals.

My face leans into his, our lips getting closer, and I open them, ready for his tongue to slip into mine.

Then my phone vibrates.

“Ignore it,” I whisper, determined not to let this moment slip away.

Then it goes off again.

His lips are so soft. I open for him willingly and his tongue slips inside, caressing mine. His hand slides up my back and grips my hair tightly. The slight pain sends electricity through my body and I moan into his mouth.

Buzz. Buzz.

Who the hell could that be? No one ever messages me.

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