Page 112 of Broken Prince

“I’ve talked to Officer Tobin. He said that there’s been a development in the case. He couldn’t tell me details, but he has a strong belief that this could all be over soon.”

“I want to believe you, but he said that last time, and nothing's changed.”

“I know,” Dad sighs. “But I do think this is a step in the right direction. It will be over soon.” He places his hand on my shoulder. “Soon, you will be free of that witch and her family.”

“I’m sorry.” I hate the vulnerability I feel right now, but I can’t help it.

“About what?”

“For letting my dick get me into trouble. Of all the people I could have had a baby with, it had to be her.”

“Don’t.” He shakes his head. “You got the best thing in the world out of that unfortunate situation. Just because she’s a horrible person doesn’t mean you should wish to take things back. I don’t blame you for her mistakes or her bad life choices. Or for the way she is.”

“Thanks.” I give him a hug. “For being the best dad ever.”

“I’d do anything for you kids. Just as you would do anything for your son.”

Dad leaves, and I head into Benny’s room. He’s fussing, tossing, and turning in his crib. Smelling like he needs to be changed, I carefully take him out and change him. He sleeps right through it.

Instead of putting him back in his crib, I hold him and sit in the rocking chair.

“I love you so much,” I whisper, kissing the top of his head. “I’m so sorry. I wish you had a better life. I’m sorry your mommy isn’t a good mommy. I wish I could keep you away from there. I will, baby. I will soon. Soon, you will be here with me all the time, and I’ll never have to let you go and wonder if it’s the last time I’ll ever see you again.”

I hold my son and try to block the world out. Because there are things I can’t change, and if I fixate on them, I’m going to go mad.

Benny, ball, school. Those are my priorities. I just have to take this one day at a time.

Chapter 25

Delaney

“What are you smiling at?” Winter asks me, shooting me a curious look as I stare down at Kai’s message. We’re on our way to the hotel where we’re staying for the away game.

Clicking the lock screen on, I lift my eyes to her. “A guy I’m kind of seeing.”

I still haven’t told Winter about Kai. I haven’t told anyone. Because how the hell do you casually mention you’re kind of dating your professor?

Right now, I’m not really sure what we are. It’s been a few weeks since he started running with me, and I’ve never felt safer. I’m actually enjoying my runs again without any worries. He hasn’t pushed me to tell him about why I’ve been so hesitant to go alone in the mornings, and since it hasn’t come up, I haven’t felt the need to tell.

We’ve been slowly getting to know each other. But with only seeing each other during our morning runs and on Wednesdays for my World History class, it has not given us much time to talk.

I don’t mind. I enjoy the slowness, the building of this growing crush. I get excited to see him every morning, and we text a lot during the day.

I’ve fallen for this man pretty hard already, and I don’t seem to care anymore about what might happen if we’re caught.

Maybe it’s reckless, but with everything else going on in my life, I need this.

Not to say I don’t still miss what I had at the house with everyone. I’m always thinking of Logan and worry so much about Benny. Everyone in that house means so much to me.

Thankfully, Justin has been showing me photos of him, keeping me up to date. I know I don’t deserve that information, not after I pulled myself out of their lives.

I’ve seen Elijah and Owen around campus and sometimes at the games. We smile and wave. They’ve tried to talk to me a few times, but I’m too afraid of Stacy seeing and causing more issues.

Surprisingly, she hasn’t been. At least she hasn’t caused any new ones. She hasn’t bothered to pay Winter or me any attention when we’re taking our photos, and neither of us are complaining, that's for sure.

I’ve been back to the house a few times to have coffee and hang out with my mom when it’s just her and James at home. As much as Stacy wants me to stay away from the guys, I’m not giving up my relationship with my mom for anyone. That's where I draw a line.

She has no right to control my life. It’s bad enough I’ve let her have this much power over what I do. If Benny wasn’t on the line, I’d have told that bitch to get fucked.

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