Page 33 of Used

She’s convinced herself that I’m going to be a nuisance in her life and a failure as a father, but I’m determined to prove her wrong.

I want this.

Was I anticipating my life to change in a matter of a few words? Not really.

But here we are, and I couldn’t be more on board.

I’ve always wanted a big family, just like the one I grew up in. I had a good childhood, and I’m determined to make sure that my children have the same love and stability.

My biggest concern, though, is that Elsie will be resistant to having me around.

I know how she values her independence.

She doesn’t need a savior or a protector.

She’s no damsel in distress.

She’s a queen.

Elsie insisted that we go about our night as though nothing had changed. She doesn’t want anyone to know about the baby yet, and despite the fact that our entire relationship has changed in a matter of weeks, I’m still just a friend.

Hence why, I’ve been watching her from the corner of The Club, where I sit next to my friends Zuri, the founder of an adult toy company, and Ivy, one of the club’s volunteer employees.

The two-story club itself stands separate from the resort, but its distinct design draws attention from anywhere you stand on the grounds.

Inside the club, every inch has been thoughtfully designed to elicit desire from the members who patronize it.

The lobby is practically an art gallery, each wall adorned with paintings of sensual moments in every style of design and perspective. Bird cages, the inspiration for the club’s distinct logo, hang from the ceiling and act as chandeliers to light the lobby.

Though it’s inside that really draws people in.

When you enter, the space opens to reveal a central dance floor around which everything else revolves. The second floor of the club, where the majority of the playrooms and BDSM equipment are, looks down on the dance floor, providing the perfect opportunity to watch as people dance and drink the night away. There, everything is on display.

There are small nooks and crannies throughout the club, too, as well as alcoves to escape to with your partner—or not your partner—for a quick tryst.

The first floor, though, is mostly seating for people to gather and mingle. There is a bar at the back where patrons can retrieve a setup with ice, cups, and mixers for the evening.

Right now, my attention is entirely on the man standing a little too close to Elsie at the bar, and it’s testing every boundary I have not to storm over and demand he back the fuck away from her.

Watching my queen from across the club being hit on by this sleazebag has my hackles raised.

The dipshit hunting after my baby mama is begging for a fist in his face.

“You gonna step in?” Zuri asks as she follows my gaze across the club.

“She’s fine,” I say, knowing Elsie would kill me if I intervened.

“Smart move.” Ivy chimes in, sipping on the drink in her customized tumbler. “Elsie can take care of herself.”

“Sure, she can.” Zuri agrees. “I’m not worried about Elsie. It’s the guy who doesn’t know what’s coming.”

I glance back over at the interaction happening across the room and wince when the man puts his hand on Elsie’s hip.

“Oh. He’s so dead.” Ivy giggles tipsily, which gets me moving.

Time passes in slow motion as I watch Elsie glance down at the man’s hand on her. Thankfully, I’m already across the room and meeting them where they stand at the club’s central bar before she can do anything about it.

“Problem here?” I interrupt, wrapping Elsie in my arms and pulling her back protectively against my chest.

---