Page 34 of Loyalties & Longings

“Can we not go back to mine?” I ask Blaze. He reaches over to take my hand, giving me a quick sideways glance.

“Is everything all right?”

“It’s just, Dad drinks a lot on this day every year. Always with Massimo. I don’t want to go home right now if I don’t have to,” I confide quietly.

“You are absolutely never spending another minute with him when I’m not around. Do you hear me? I don’t trust that bastard, not after what I’ve seen him do to you. And now you’re mine. If he even looks at you again, I am going to string the motherfucker up by his balls and gut him like a deer.” His words are angry, and his eyes are full of fire, but his tone is still level and calm.

“Call your dad and tell him you are staying out tonight,” Blaze instructs.

“But where am I going to stay? I need to go home and get my stuff. You know, to at least grab a change of clothes and things,” I ask, even though I know he is right. I shouldn’t be going home with Dad or Massimo in the state I know they’ll both be in, even this early in the day. That’s probably where my father was when we left for the cemetery this morning, already making an alcohol run.

“I’ll sort it out. I’ve got you covered, gorgeous.”

Pulling out my cell phone, I see the green light that haunts my life is back on and make a mental note to call the cell company later today so I can get it looked at. I unlock it and call Dad, putting it on speaker before he answers.

“Lake,Bella. Are you okay?” My father’s words are already beginning to slur. Holy hell, he didn’t waste any time this year.

“I’m okay, Dad. I just got done visiting Mom.”

In the background, I hear Massimo’s voice. “Come home, Lakey. Come have a drink with me and your dad.” His words sound perfectly clear, almost as if he hasn’t even had one drink. He must have recently returned from the job Blaze was supposed to do today. I throw a quick sideways glance at Blaze. His knuckles have gone white from gripping the gearshift and steering wheel so tightly.

“That’s actually why I’m calling, Dad. I’m going to stay out tonight.” I pause, waiting for a reply.

“You sure,Bella? I can send Massimo—”

“No.” I cut him off before he can even drag out his next words.

“I’ll see if Blaze is available to stay close by.”

“Okay, Lake. As long as you’re sure. Stay safe.” His words are drawn out. I swear I hear Massimo slamming things on the kitchen table, mumbling in the background.

“Yes, Dad. I’ll be fine. I will. Go easy, please. Love you.”

“Love you too,Bella,” he says before hanging up.

“He sounds pretty messed up.” I look to Blaze guiltily, contemplating if staying away is the best choice.

“We’ll check in on him later tonight. You can stay at my place. After all, Iamyour boyfriend now,” he says, looking over at me and winking.

Heat rises up my cheeks, and I slide my phone back into my bag. The rest of the drive to Blaze’s apartment building passes in comfortable silence.

As soon as we walk out of the elevator into his apartment,Lucifer comes racing over to me, spinning in circles like a crazy, energizer-fueled puppy. Blaze walks off to his bedroom while I stay and pet Lucifer. He is such a magnificent animal and really suits being Blaze’s pet.

People say dogs usually looks like their owners, or is it vice versa? Either way, the saying rings true for these two.

Blaze walks out of his room. As large as he is, he looks small in this wide-open room with its tall ceilings. He crosses over to me, feet eating up the distance between us. He crouches down and gives Lucifer a good scruff on his head and a few hard slaps on his side. Lucifer absolutely loves the attention. His tongue hangs out the side of his mouth, which is pulled back in a huge joker-like smile.

“You know, it still surprises me how much this guy has taken a liking to you. He generally hates everyone.” Blaze chuckles, shaking his head.

“I’ve left you some clothes and towels in the bathroom if you want to shower. I’ll make us something for lunch,” he says, standing up and walking to the kitchen. “Want anything in particular?”

“Thanks, I’m not really hungry. But I could definitely do with a shower right now.”

“Go. Leave your clothes on the floor. I’ll be in shortly to put them in the wash.” He stalks back over to me, wrapping his arms behind me and squeezing my ass with both hands. “Coffee after?”

The thought of coffee has my eyes rolling into the back of my head, moaning. I could definitely do with one of his amazingly strong coffees.

“Yes,please.” I groan. At that, he leans in and kisses my mouth, taking my bottom lip between his teeth and giving it a little tug.

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