Page 99 of Sweet Dominion

Jo sucked her teeth.

I met Jo’s gaze once more, this time with a small nod. “I saw your sister, Moni. And. . .immediatelyI wanted her all to myself whether I understood those feelings or not.”

She pursed her lips.

I continued, “And even more. . .I took Moni away. . .without a thought about anyone else in this world. I kept her close to me and I wasn’t willing to share her with anyone.”

Jo frowned, while a silly smile spread across Chloe’s face.

However, TT was more observant. After I said that, she took in Moni’s reaction for a few seconds then looked back at me.

Be careful. . .assertive but be truthful. They’re too smart for anything else.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “And I won’t apologize for doing all of that.”

Jo widened her eyes.

Moni cleared her throat as if trying to signal me.

I shrugged. “If I did, it wouldn’t be arealapology because I don’t regret what I did and I’ve got a feeling that you, Jo, would be able to see through any bullshit I tried to shovel your way.”

For a moment, Jo’s expression faltered, just a flicker of something other than disdain in her eyes.

She hasn’t cursed me out yet, so I’m not doing too bad.

I clung to that flicker, hoping it was a sign that I was getting through to her.

“However. . .” I cleared my throat again. “I promise from now on, to makerightin all the places where I did wrong. I will do everything in my power to make sure you and your sisters feel at home here because this isyourhome. This place, my family—it’s yours now, just as much as it is mine.”

Jo leaned her head to the side. “Just like that?”

I raised my eyebrows. “What?”

“We’re just all living in the East and now a big happy family, after you not even knowing my sister for a full month?”

“Family is everything. It is the foundation upon which our lives are built, the bond that holds us together even in the darkest of times.”

Jo rolled her eyes.

I shrugged again. “I have seen what happened when that bond is broken—how it can tear people apart, leaving nothing but bitterness and regret in its wake—”

“We’ve seen that shit too—”

“Well. . .I will not let that happen here. I will not let me or anything else come between Moni and you three—”

“Nothing is coming between my sisters and me.”

“Good.” I leaned forward. “But understand this too. . .I won’t let anything come between her andmeeither.”

Jo tilted forward as if to challenge me. “We’ll see about that.”

I curved my lips into a smile. “We sure will.”

“Alright. We’re done.” Moni sighed. “You’ve met Jo, and this is my sister Chloe—”

“Oh, I’m not done.” Jo shook her head. “I have some questions—”

“I can answer your questions after introductions,” Moni scowled, “and after you’ve seen the house—”

---