Page 109 of His Juliet

I kissed the crown of her head and vowed to myself that I would do whatever I could to make her life easy and peaceful and safe.

We stayed connected until my cock started hardening again. Juliet rolled her hips against mine with a breathy sigh.

This time, our movements were soft and slow.

It didn’t feel like fucking.

It felt like making love.

54

JULIET

I stareddown at baby Clementine. She was sleeping in my arms, her eyes fluttering beneath her eyelids and red lips pursed. The weight of her eased the anxiety I felt sitting in Sofiya’s kitchen. Sienna came over to Romeo’s apartment earlier today, and we’d played Mario Kart together. It had felt so normal I’d almost forgotten that people were after me, I was in a new place, and Romeo was gone for the whole day.

When Sofiya invited us up to her apartment for dinner, I didn’t feel like I could refuse. Or rather, I didn’twantto refuse. Spending the day with them yesterday had felt good, almost normal. So when Sienna asked if I wanted to go, I had said yes. We’d taken the stairs up to the penthouse apartment, Sienna cheering me along the entire way, and I’d made it all the way up without having a panic attack. But now, sitting in the large, beautiful apartment, I was on the verge of one. I tried to convince my brain that the entire apartment building was safe, but apparently, I wasn’t convincing enough. So I just focused on the sweet baby in my arms to keep my anxiety from swelling up and drowning me.

“Anyone have any music requests?” Sienna asked. When we didn’t give her any, she chose a playlist and soft indie music started playing through a surround sound system.

“Juliet, do you like balsamic dressing?” Sofiya asked. “I was thinking of doing a simple side salad with dinner.”

“That sounds good. Are you sure you don’t need help?” I asked.

“No, no, we’ve got it,” she said.

Sofiya moved around the kitchen using her rollator as she prepared chicken parmesan for our dinner with Angelo as her sous chef. To my surprise, I’d gotten more comfortable around the bodyguard today. His massive height and broad frame were at odds with his soft voice and easy smiles. It was hard to find him intimidating when he wore an apron with Noodle’s face printed on the front.

It was very cute.

“Besides,” she continued, “you’re helping by holding Clementine. Just let me know if you want me to take her, or you can put her down in her bassinet.”

The baby in question let out a little cry, and I gently rocked her until she settled.

“You’re good with her,” Sienna said. “Have you spent a lot of time with babies?”

I shrugged, feeling slightly uncomfortable. I wasn’t used to talking about myself, but I guessed that’s what friends did. And I wanted to be friends with these girls.

“I grew up in foster care. There were often babies in the homes I lived in and I helped take care of them.”

“Oh, you have a head start on me, then,” Sofiya said. “I didn’t know anything about babies until this one came along. I read tons of parenting books while I was pregnant to try to catch up.”

Sienna snorted. “Not as many as my brother read. He was pulling outWhat to Expect When You’re Expectingbetween meetings with his capos.”

Angelo laughed, but Sofiya had a soft smile on her face. “He’s so good with her.” She started mixing up the balsamic dressing. “Do you want kids, Juliet?”

“Oh, um…”

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” she said, cheeks burning red. “That’s a really personal question.”

“That’s okay,” I said. “I guess I’ve never really thought about it.” I’d never been one of those girls who dreamed of having babies, maybe because I’d had to take care of so many of them in the chaotic foster homes I’d bounced around. Besides, I could barely take care of myself. How could I ever care for a child?

Noodle padded over to me and rested his head on my leg. I shifted Clementine so I could pet him.

“They all love you,” Sofiya said.

“Everyone loves Juliet,” Sienna said. “No wonder Romeo is obsessed.”

I squirmed, uncomfortable at being the center of attention, but I also hid a smile at the idea of Romeo beingobsessed.

---