Page 64 of Darkness

“Yes,” my parents and I tell him. I get to see my parents every two weeks for an hour. There is nothing more in the world I could ask for right now. Because there is nothing he could give me that means more to me than seeing my parents.

“Lincoln, have it so it cuts out after an hour, only have it move around in the UK and Canada.”

“I’ll get to work.”

“Mr. Upgrade-” I shout as I see him walking away, but he turns around and lowers himself so he’s on screen. “Thank you.” He gives me a wink and walks away.

“Cain, thank you. I’m sure Autumn-Rose will tell us all about you when you’re not around.” My mum laughs, and so do I. She’s not wrong, I finally get to talk to my mum about a boyfriend.

“Lincoln will talk you through all the details, what time, login, and day to talk to Autumn-Rose,” Cain adds, then messages Lincoln something.

Cain stays quiet, which I thought he would. He isn’t the easiest man to get talking, and I’ll explain everything to my parents when he’s not here. I don’t need them telling him how sorry they are, because he is the last person who wants to hear things like that.

“Mum, I’ll send you a picture once I’m ready. Can’t wait to see you next week. I love you.” I move closer to the screen, andplant a kiss on my hand and blow it to them. “I love you dad, I’ll keep an eye on the score this week.”

“I love you too, sweetpea.”

“I love you.”

The screen goes black, but I keep my eyes on the screen for a little longer, pressing my lips together not to cry, but it’s not so easy as the tears fight their way to the surface.

I feel Cain’s hand rubbing my back. “Time to get ready, I need to show off my English Rose.” He leans in closer and kisses the side of my neck. “I promise to give you the world, and protect you from it.”

“And I promise to always stand next to you, no matter what.” I get off the stool and wrap my arms around him. “Thank you.” I feel Cain’s arms wrap around me, and I hold him there for a moment.

I’ve found the man who’s going to make me smile every day, no matter what it takes. A man who will love me more than anyone will ever love me.

I have faith in him, no matter what life throws at me. I’m his.

Twenty-Three

Cain

It’s beentwo weeks since Autumn moved in, and everything fits. It’s like she was meant to be there from the start. I never thought I would have a woman live with me, but now the thought of her not being there has me going crazy.

That woman is mine, and there is nothing in the world that will take her away from me.

One thing I will say, she’s settled herself into the place with no trouble. There are flowers in almost every room, but the bedroom, and that’s only because the smell was making my head so much worse. She’s even got candles everywhere. I have no idea why because she doesn’t even light most of them.

If I can’t sleep, she sits on the couch with me, watching one of her crazy reality shows. How she doesn’t have a headache after watching them, I have no idea. Five minutes into one episode, and I was ready to lose it.

Would I change anything? Fuck, no.

She rambles about nothing most of the time, talks to herself while she cooks, she plans out her day to herself, and then disagrees with herself at the same time. I have to laugh when she does those little things.

“We have a party who would like to book out the whole sixth-”

“No.” I cut Lincoln off, a party for the entire floor, not a fucking chance. I did it once, and it will never happen again because the fuckers got out of hand, and I ended up beating more people up than I kicked out.

“I’ve already told them no. Miles has finished getting the security all done at the shop. You might want to tell Autumn that even though Hayden and Miles are in college, they would still fuck Katy.” I look up at Lincoln, wanting some more information on that part. “Hayden went with Miles and from what I heard Hayden was very… Hayden. I give it until tomorrow before he gets between her legs.” Shaking my head, I get my cell out and message Hayden and Miles telling them to leave Katy alone, don’t need them fucking things up and giving me a headache for no reason.

I go to say something but stop when the voice in our ear says, “Logan and some woman are here to see you, boss.” Not in the mood for either of them, but the grin on Lincoln’s face tells me he knows about it, too.

“I’ll be at the door.” Lincoln opens the door, and as he does Logan and mom walk through.

Getting off the chair, I walk around the desk. I watch Logan walking over to the window, as mum comes closer to me and gives me a small hug and kiss on the cheek.

“And what do I owe for this unannounced visit?” I ask, knowing very well Logan was dragged here.

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