Page 14 of Bastian

“You need to stop spending so much time with grownups.” I smile back at her. “But yes, yes, I did.”

“Next time, I want to go with you.” She pouts.

Shaking my head, “You know how I feel about you attending those kinds of events.”

“I know you don’t want me mixing with brainless do-do heads.” She giggles into her fist.

“That is correct. I also need you to always be safe.” I am not risking my daughter’s safety if I can prevent it.

“You, Shaw, and Ben will keep me safe.” Her trust in me. Her trust in my men humbles me.

“You can be my date to the next event.” I give in.

She beams. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Cross your heart and hope to die?” She tilts her head and asks.

I place my hand on my chest, giving her my eyes. “Cross my heart.”

“Mad love for you, daddy.” My daughter whispers while looking up at me with a smile that reminds me of my mother and eyes the exact shade of my own and my father’s.

My heart hurts, but it also beats strong when Ellaiza reminds me of them. “Mad love, my heart.”

“Goodnight.” I turn her light out and leave.

Hoping and fucking praying that Arianna comes back because, if not, I don’t know how to console that shit. My daughter’s first heartbreak shouldn’t be one I cause.

Fuck.

There are two broken hearts in this home.

ELLAIZA

SHAW BEAR

“My daddy says I am

the prettiest girl in the whole world.

Under twenty-four, of course.” – E

As soon as Dad closes the door behind him, I wait a couple of seconds before getting out of bed and walking toward the windows. Climbing up the steps Benjamin placed in front of the window so I could reach it, I push the curtains aside, and look at the night. From here, I can see the main entrance to the house. Our big white house. Dad’s friends are all standing outside on every corner guarding us, so the bad guys stay away. Then I look up at the sky and count all the stars.

There aren’t many tonight because they’re hiding.

Is that why mommy hasn’t come home yet? Because she can’t reach the stars since they’re hiding?

“Where are you, mommy?” I whisper, hoping in my heart that she comes home soon. I don’t remember her, and that makes me sad.

I only know her by the photos and videos dad shows me every time I ask about her.

Although, sometimes when I close my eyes, I hear her soft laugh.

All my friends at school have their mommies. All except Kyrie. He has two daddies.

And sometimes I feel bad because some kids don’t have any mommies or daddies, and I have the bestest dad in the whole world.

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