Page 67 of Edging Obsession

Elliott has been great, which makes me realize I must make amends with them. They’re important to my Schatzi, so it’s important I talk to them.

Elisabeth comes up, placing her hand on Jules, unsure whether she’s mad or not.

Jules gives her a side hug and says, “No worries, Mom. I don’t need him. I have an awesome dad, and now, two mothers.”

I interpret, and Elisabeth cries onto Jules’ shoulder. We break things up, and head to our houses with Jules inviting Elisabeth over for dinner tomorrow. It will give me time to talk to her parents.

34

Thankfully, Jules meeting her biological father didn’t rattle her. If anything, Yusuf’s trafficking sickens her. And because of Elise and Elliott, the loss of him didn’t cause such an impact.

It’s morning, and I tell Jules I have a meeting and head over to the guesthouse. Instead of informing them, I decide to surprise Elise and Elliott to avoid an immediate rejection. After what happened yesterday, I can’t deny they’ve both been great parents to Jules. I have to make this right.

Look at me, getting all moral and shit. I hadn’t been bothered they were disgusted by me, but things have changed.I’mtrying to change. Jules and my relationship is like the deep ocean. We have our calm days, where we are a normal couple, and then her tsunami of emotions rocks us into uncharted territory. Jules’ mental illness is new to me too, so like her, I’m figuring it out as we go along. An important thing for her mental health is a decent relationship between me and her parents. She loves us, and seeing us at odds doesn’t help the situation.

I walked here to avoid detection and knock. Elise opens the door, and realizing it’s me, tries to shut it in my face.

“Wait! Please! Can we talk?”

She balances against the edge of the door, only allowing it to remain open enough for half her body. “We have nothing to say to you.”

“Elise. We all love Jules. Let’s talk about it.”

Elliott comes to the door and snarls, “What are you doing here?”

To control my temper, I let out a heavy sigh. “I’d like to talk to you about everything.”

Elise says, “He wants to talk about Jules.”

He says, “We’ve said our piece.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “Have you, Elliott? Because your daughter is at my house, in my bed, distraught over the fact we don’t get along.” Dick move mentioning my bed, but sometimes he’s like a sliver in my ass. He’s about to speak, yet I continue, “Listen, I’m not here to fight. I’d like to have a serious talk. You love Jules, and so do I.” Placing my hand over my heart for emphasis, I ask, “Can’t we have a civilized conversation for your daughter’s sake?”

I figured a guilt trip is the best way for me to get in the door. Elise and Elliott have this habit of talking to each other through glances and expressions. I haven’t figured out how they know what the other thinks, but they’re usually in agreement. Elise widens the door, nods, and they step aside to let me in. We make our way to the kitchen where she clears away the breakfast dishes and brews coffee. I peruse the place. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the guesthouse. Aside from some touchup jobs, it appears to be in great condition. Elise places sugar and milk on the table, bringing over three cups of coffee. They sit opposite me, giving me dagger eyes.

We all take a sip, and then I start. “Jules and I had a long talk about…well, everything. She’s accepted me for who I am, and then the abduction happened.” After a deep inhale, I continue. “I understand you don’t like me.”

Elliott cuts in. “It has nothing to do withdisliking, Miles. I hate your lifestyle. I hate that our daughter’s life is at risk because she even knows you.”

“Fair enough.” I turn my coffee cup a couple of times on the table. “While Jules and I talked, we came to the conclusion it’s best I distance myself from a life of crime.”

“You did?”

“Yes. Aside from my brother, I’ve never loved another human being as much as I love your daughter. She’s made me want to be a better person.” I shake my head. “Hell, I don’t want her in danger. She’s too precious.”

Elise’s eyes tear up and she stammers before saying, “I—I can’t believe it.” Her mouth opens, closes, and she adds, “You’re willing to give up this…this lifestyle for Jules.”

“Yes, but not my brother or Germany.”

Elliott joins in. “Wait. What do you mean?”

“After touring here, I realized how much I missed my brother and Germany. I’d like to spend some time in my homeland with Jules.” I hold up my hand. “And yes, before you say it, Jules will be well protected, meaning many bodyguards instead of just one. It wouldn’t be weird because I’ll still be playing with The Coven.”

Again, they search each other for answers, and I’ll admit, it drives me fucking nuts. Can’t they say what’s on their minds without looking for reassurance from the other?

Elise answers, “I’m not comfortable with Jules staying here. It doesn’t change the fact you’re living where your brother is headquartered.”

“This is the safest place for her in Germany, Elise. You can’t follow her around forever. You have my word, nothing bad connected to me will ever harm Jules again.”

---