Page 6 of Comp's Chance

If I’m being honest with myself, I hate the thought of anyone, women included, being around my sunshine for… wait, my sunshine? Holy fuck, this girl is potent. I need to get away, and I need to get away now, but Sunny is speaking up before I have the chance.

"Look, no offense, but I don't know any of you. I would really like to stick close to Comp. He's the only one I can feel in my gut I can trust. I wouldn't even be bringing this up if it was just me, but I have my daughter to think about," Sunny says, stepping closer to me. She trusts me? She's finding comfort in me? She must’ve not gotten a good look at me yet.

"Mooomm… Play it cool," Paisley scolds her, trying to whisper from the side of her mouth. I swear I'm already in love with this kid and her wit. There are a few chuckles, but then Swift looks at me and speaks.

"Sorry, champ. Your program can hold off for a little longer. I need you to take care of Sunny and Paisley before heading back to your cave," he says, but I can see the slight smirk he's tryingto contain. It’s there, staring at me cockily from the side of his fucking mouth. Dick. I sigh before turning and looking at Sunny and Paisley.

"Follow me." I start moving down the right-side hallway. We have a few rooms set aside for company, but one, in particular, has a massive bathroom with a fantastic bathtub. I actually had it set up for my mother and father when they visited. My mother has arthritis in her knees and hips, so it helps her soak in a bath of Epson salt. The room is only a couple doors down from mine, which will put me on edge, but for some reason, I can’t seem to make myself put them further away. I want them to be happy and comfortable here. I stop and finally admit the truth; I know I want them here, close, safe, and with me.

"Here’s your room, Ladies. There is a beautiful bathroom, towels and rags in the linen closet. My room is right down the hall to the right if you need anything," I tell them shortly before turning and heading out.

"Thank you," is whispered softly behind me. I know it's Sunny’s sweet sunshine voice, but I can’t look back at her. I need to get out of here. I give a head nod before rushing away.

Fuck! What the hell am I supposed to do now?

Five

SUNNY

Iwatch his retreating back, holding my tongue as my whole body rebels against me, wanting to reach out for him. To call him back. To ask him to stay. I’ve never needed anyone in my life. I’ve always taken care of myself no matter what, and when my daughter was born, I made sure it was just her and me. I don’t want to depend on anyone, but my heart is begging Comp to stop and turn back around for some reason. To come back.

That thought shakes me from my fog. I just met him less than an hour ago. This is all so crazy. I can’t think too hard about it, though. I know I only have time to settle Paisley in before meeting with all the guys to tell my story. I take a quick look around, get in a small breather, and then go find the person running this joint.

I know they will give me time to rest or relax eventually, but I just want to get this conversation over with. So, I pull up my big girl panties, take hold of my daughter’s hand, and walk out of the room and back the way we came. We walk into the main room, where the bar and pool tables are, and everyone is still there. Well, everyone except Comp, and yes, I am embarrassed to admit I scanned the room for him.

Everyone stops and turns to us as we enter. God, I’ll be so damn happy when my daughter and I stop being the roadside attraction or the annoying problem brought to their doorstep. Whichever version suits this damn scenario best. I clear my throat before speaking to no one in particular.

“Umm, is there somewhere Paisley can play while we discuss the situation?” I ask, not wanting to let her out of my sight but also trusting Milani and her faith in her brother, and knowing I have to get this over with.

“I can take her back to the playroom with Rome and Rae if you like. My name is Izzy,” a woman says, walking slowly to me. I can see her squinting slightly, but she walks right up to me.

“Thank you,” I whisper softly, not wanting to let go of my daughter’s hand but knowing I have no other choice.

“I promise nothing will happen to her. You can trust me. You can trust everyone in this compound. These really are the best men I’ve ever met,” she whispers before bending down to Paisley.

“Hey, Sweet girl. Would you like to go meet up with your friends?” she asks Paisley. Paisley takes a minute to look at the woman’s face and slowly raises her hand to her eyes. The woman looks surprised but doesn't speak.

“You have beautiful eyes. I know they don’t work right for you, but you’re like a real-life princess,” Paisley says in awe, rubbing small motions over Izzy’s temples. I look at my daughter in utter shock. How does she know this woman’s eyes don’t work right? Is that even true?

“I am legally blind, sweet girl, but it used to be much worse. Now, I can see shapes, shadows, and even some features when they are close enough. Your compliment is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you, sweet girl,” Izzy says with tears in her eyes, and I can tell she means every word she just said. My daughter might be more perceptive than I give hercredit for. I’m left speechless as Izzy slowly walks back down the hallway with Paisley holding her hand, the two chatting the entire way. Someone clears their throat, making me turn back to the group. I blush when I see everyone staring at me and duck my head.

“Come take a seat, Sunny. I promise we won’t bite,” Swift tells me, pointing to the other side of the table across from him.

“Speak for yourself,” one guy says from the back of the crowd. I go ridged.

“Watch your fucking mouth, Prospect,” comes a deep growl before we all turn and watch Comp pick up the man who made the comment by the throat. He holds him in midair, not even breaking a sweat. Seeing this quick show of violence, you would think I would want to grab Paisley and run, but it’s just the opposite. My heart races, and I feel my face flush as I see the muscles in Comp’s arms flex and grow more defined.

Wow, down girl, it’s really not the time or place to get all hot and bothered.

The prospect, as they called him, kicks and squirms, trying to get out of Comp’s grip, but it’s no use. The death grip Comp has on his throat seems unbreakable, and the prospect’s face turns a scary shade of purple. Is anyone going to stop this? Before I can think, I’m rushing from the chair and to them. I place my hand on Comp’s forearm and feel him flinch from my touch. That doesn’t deter me, though, because I know if I don’t do something, he’s going to murder the other man.

“Comp, let him go.” I see the war behind his eyes. I see the hesitation for just a moment, but his hand tightens even more. I’m scared he’s going to rip the guy’s throat out in front of everyone.

“Nix, please, you’re scaring me,” I whisper close to his ear, going up on my tiptoes to get closer.

I don’t know if it’s that he can hear the fear in my voice or at the fact I called him by his real name, but his eyes finally focus. He looks over at me before dropping the guy he’s been holding steady in the air. The guy falls to his feet, grabbing his throat and gasping for air. Nix barely glances my way as he makes his way back to the table, his long hair covering one side of his face. I have no fucking clue what the hell is going on as no one else moves to help the prospect or says a word to Comp as he sits down.

“Sunny, please come sit. Usually, we would take this to church, but we don’t want to overwhelm you. Plus, the room needs to be cleaned… again, before we can use it,” Swift says with a growl, aiming a pointed glare at someone behind me. Looking over my shoulder, Loki, Milani’s brother, and the woman I’m guessing is his wife, smile wide and give each other a heated look.

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