Page 9 of You Are My Every Reason

“The shit you’re feeling.”

“You kind of get used to it,” West adds, shaking his head. His gaze is fixed on Teddy. I put together what they mean.

I’ve actually never seen King with a girl before my sister, and I know without a doubt that they’ve tried to get his attention. The girls that came to the fights batted their lashes at him, but he never gave them the time of day. It appeared to piss him off if anything. I understood it.

I knew what those girls wanted. I've gotten the same attention. I always have, even in school. Some of the girls would call me Hollywood because of my appearance. Said it was because my face was perfect, which is surprising because I've been hit in it a million times over the years.

Still, I ignored that shit. They wanted to use me for my looks or money. To gain some sort of imaginary status. That shit triggered me. For so many years, my father had used me. It was always about what he could get. I suppose my dollface and I have a lot more in common than I realized.

ChapterSeven

FALLON

If I can be anything, it’s quiet. I learned quickly when I was younger how to slip around my father’s estate without being detected. I mastered the art of blending in and disappearing into the background, hoping they would forget I was there at all.

I never felt guilty when I snuck around, but right now as I listen in on the conversation in the kitchen, I do. Everyone here has been kind to me, and now I’m eavesdropping on them, but it’s hard not to when you know it’s you they’re talking about.

I was disappointed that Rich hadn't returned by the time I finished the bath. It’s not really his fault. After I slipped into the tub, I immediately started to miss him. A panic and anxiety began growing in his absence. I’d quickly gotten out, needing to be near him again.

I’ve only known the man for a matter of hours, and I’m already latching myself on to him. I need to be careful, or he’ll get annoyed with me. I should stay up in his room, keep to myself and not bug him. If I annoy him, he’ll be done with me sooner, and then what will I do? I don’t have anywhere to go.

My chest aches at the thought. Surprisingly, it’s not the thought of not having anywhere to go but of Rich wanting me gone. That day will eventually come, won't it? It has to. I can’t stay here forever. My thoughts don’t help with my growing anxiety.

“Hello.” I let out a scream, spinning around at the sound of a man's voice behind me. The tall man's brows lift; he holds up his hands, taking a step back.

“Sorry, if I—” He cuts off, taking another few steps back.

“Dollface.” A hand wraps around me from behind, pressing to my stomach and forcing me to step back. I don’t have to look to know who it is. Even without him saying dollface, I know Rich’s touch already. The smell of him wraps around me, easing my anxiety. His chest pressed into my back makes me feel safe.

“I’m okay,” I whisper. Rich turns me in his arms.

“That’s Jack. He works for West. He’s harmless.”

“Not sure if I should be offended by that or not,” Jack responds.

“He is a pain in the ass,” West says. “But typically a much-needed one.”

“Are you hungry? I made food,” Teddy asks. At least I think it’s her. All I can see right now is Rich; the man is a giant. I think he may be three times my size. I barely come up to the middle of his chest.

“We can go back to our room,” Rich tells me, and I wonder if he knows he saidourroom, but he likely misspoke is all.

“I could eat.” I stare up into Rich’s eyes.

“Only if you want to. We can eat in our room if it makes you more comfortable.”

“Stop hogging her,” Teddy huffs, and I remember Rich telling me how she can be a mother hen around here.

Rich lifts his brows, not saying a word, but the question is clear. Whatever I choose is what is going to happen. Emotion floods me at the realization that I have never had the opportunity to choose before, and there is someone standing in front of me that is willing to make sure that I get that.

I nod my head. Rich’s lips turn up in a small smile. “I guess I’ll share you with them if I have to.” He winks at me. He takes my hand, stepping aside, and that’s when I see everyone has gathered around.

“Stop crowding her,” Rich barks at them. Both girls roll their eyes, not the least bit scared of him. That is so telling.

“Come on.” Teddy nods for me to follow her, and everyone does. They all gather around the kitchen island. King lifts Willa by her hips, sitting her on it. Rich pulls out one of the chairs for me. I sit down, and he lays his arm across the back, standing right next to me.

Everyone falls into conversation. Teddy is leading most of it. I think she is trying to make things light. Every now and then, she glances over toward me and smiles.

“Hope you like pasta. It’s everyone’s favorite around here,” Teddy says.

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