Page 67 of The Assignment: Room 3

The front door opens, and a little girl slips to Celest’s side, wrapping her tiny arm around her leg. “Why are you shouting, Mommy?”

Mommy?

Celest drops to her knees, pulling the girl into her arms. “I’m sorry, sweet pea. Go inside. Mommy will be there in a few minutes.”

My heart is hammering in my chest as Celest’s daughter looks up at me with the biggest eyes I’ve ever seen. She’s adorable, like a real-life Disney princess. She waves at me. Her smile is bright as she clings to her mom.

I take a knee and hold my hand out to her. “Hi, I’m Flex. What’s your name?”

“What are you doing?” Celest interjects.

Her daughter takes a step toward me, taking my hand in hers. She’s so tiny. “Hello. I’m Gracie. I like your hair.”

“Well, hi, Gracie. I’m pleased to meet you. I like your hair too.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m a friend of your mom’s. I was going to ask her if she wanted to hang out with me today.”

“Mommy, can Fex stay for lunch?” Oh my God. This kid is so freaking adorable it’s ridiculous.

“Flexdoesn’t want to eat peanut butter sandwiches with us, Gracie. Go inside.”

“I happen to love peanut butter sandwiches,” I say with a smile, but when my eyes find Celest’s, she looks pissed.

Gracie waves at me before doing as she’s told. “Bye, Fex.”

She disappears inside, and I get to my feet before Celest shoves my chest. “Don’t talk to my daughter.”

“I just said hello. What’s the problem?”

She shoves me again as if her small hands could move me even an inch. It’s cute that she tries. “She’s not a pawn to help you get laid.”

“Hold the fuck up, Celest. I wouldneverdo something like that. I’m offended you think so little of me.”

“I’m your easy lay, Flex. Why did you have to ruin it?” She slams her hands against my chest once more, but this time I grab them, holding her in place.

“Stop!”

“I can’t do this.”

“Do what? Spend time with me? It’s a nice day. I thought you might enjoy going for a ride with me. I checked with Dalton to see if you were working today. We’re friends. Is it that far out of the realm of possibility for me to want to hang out with you?”

“We’re fuck buddies. Nothing more.” Her eyes are swimming with unshed tears, and it breaks my heart.

“Stop.”

She wrestles against my grasp, but the second I let go of her hands, I pull her into my arms, holding her tight. “Let me go, Flex.” The quiver of her voice betrays her harsh words.

“I’ve got you, Celest.”

“I don’t want it. I’m perfectly fine on my own. No complications.” She bursts into tears, burying her head in my chest. “I’m fine. We’re fine. I can do this on my own.”

“I know, pet,” I say as I smooth my hand down her back, gently giving her the comfort she needs at this moment.

I can’t believe she didn’t tell me she has a kid.

“You have to go. I don’t want Gracie to be part of my life at Venom. She deserves so much better than me.”

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