Page 60 of King of Tides

I get out of bed and use my magic to dress in a pair of running shorts and a sports bra. I want to take a run after breakfast. After I’m dressed, I pad out to the main area barefoot.

“Mi hija,” Mack sighs into the phone. “I worry about you. I only want to see you safe and happy. You won’t even go out on a date with a nice young man. If it’s a nice young woman you’re looking for, I’m fine with that too.”

I can’t help but laugh at him. I mean, I give a full belly laugh. If he knew the things I allowed Ardan to do to me last night, he’d know that I’m definitely into men.

I know he means well, but I can hear the nerves in his voice. I have no doubt he would support me no matter what, but I can tell he’s holding his breath.

“Papi, I like men. You can relax,” I say and shake my head.

Ardan turns to look at me with amusement on his lips as he takes me in. I give him an appreciative once-over as well. He’s dressed in a pair of low-hanging jeans, a fitted T-shirt, and his cut. His feet are bare as well.

As I stop in front of him, he places a hand on my waist and tugs me to him to peck my lips. Without prying into his thoughts, I know exactly what he’s going to do next.

“Good morning, baby girl. I’ve been waiting for you to get up,” he says in that strong, rumbling voice of his.

I purse my lips and glare at him. He has the audacity to wink at me before he pecks my lips once again. I swat at his shoulder and shake my head.

“Billy, who was that?” Mack asks.

“That was my boyfriend,” I say through my teeth as I watch Ardan’s face light up.

“Your boyfriend?”

“Yes, my boyfriend. I’m seeing someone.”

“When will I get to meet him?”

“It’s new. I don’t know if we’re ready for that,” I say and look away from Ardan.

“Is that your father? I’m looking forward to meeting him,” Ardan says with a slick-ass smile on his face.

“Oh my God,” I whisper-yell as I cover the phone.

“Were your plans tonight with him? Bring him by for chili,” Mack says excitedly.

“Papi, I will find time to come by. Just not tonight. Okay?”

“All right, all right, but I want to meet him soon.”

“I’ll call you later,” I say and end the call.

“I can’t believe you just did that shit. What the f?—”

Ardan places a finger over my lips to silence me as he chuckles. I turn to look over my shoulder to see with he’s looking at. I’m met with two tiny little faces staring back at me from around a corner in the living area.

I knit my brows. That corner wasn’t there yesterday. When both the boys smile and wave back at me, I can’t help but lose all my anger.

“Where did you two come from?” I say with a smile.

“You promised to play with us. King Ardan sent for us,” Beck says excitedly.

“They’ve been upset about attacking you. I wanted them to see for themselves that you’re fine and you’re not angry with them,”Ardan says in my head.

“That was almost a week ago. They’re still worried about that?”

“Yes, they are still five, after all. And their nature makes them more emotional than other beings.”

I squat down and open my arms to them. Both boys come running and wrap themselves around me. Bourne surprisingly holds me the tightest.

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