Page 32 of Somewhere We Belong

“Oh my god, Atlas, I’m so sorry,” I said, grabbing his hand.

“Thank you.” He squeezed my hand. “Research wasn’t my dream, but I did a residency in a research department, and I actually loved it. I became a doctor to help people. I think I could still do that if I was in research, but there aren't big research opportunities out here, so they are hard to come by.”

“Maybe one day,” I said, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles. “You’re fucking amazing and look at how far you have come.”

“Come on, eat and maybe if you finish everything, I’ll give you some ice cream,” he smirked, and I was grateful that he had changed the subject.

“Already using parenting tactics on me,” I teased. “Anything to get you to eat. It’s important.”

Ok,” I said, finishing off the last few bites.

“Mama! Can we play UNO?” Sol ran into the room with a deck in her hands.

“Sure, I think I can manage that.” I pulled her close, kissing the crown of her head.

Theodore stood at the door with a small smile. When we locked eyes, a small blush painted his cheeks.

“Come on, Teddy Bear and Atlas said they would play too.” Sol climbed on the bed taking out the cards.

Asking about Colt was on the tip of my tongue, but he didn’t need my attention or deserve it. On our third game, Colt stood at the doorway watching Theodore, Atlas and Sol play. He laughed when Sol called Atlas a cheater and demanded a reshuffle.

I saw him from the corner of my eyes, demanding that my head stay focused on the game, but I wasn’t strong enough to not look at him, especially when I felt his gaze. Usually, I felt his animosity; right now, it felt different, and curiosity got the best of me.

Tucking my hair behind my ear, I glanced over at him. His green gaze took mine hostage. His expression was… remorseful? Nope. I’m not doing this. He deserved to eat shit and go fuck himself.

I spent the rest of the night ignoring him and just as I was about to fall asleep, our door opened and while I couldn’t see him, I knew it was Colt. He stayed at the door and began to walk into the room before turning around and leaving. I didn’t need this bullshit.

My headache came back in full force the following day and it took another day before I could get out of bed. I spent three more days with them before I was finally able to get away. Guilt at them having to take care of Sol was getting to me and seeing Colt made me mad, which made my headaches worse.

I packed up the last of our things, looked around the room to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Seeing a rogue sock by the window, I saw Sol with Theodore. They sat down with animals all around them as he gave her food to give them. My heart ached as even more guilt hit me. Sol loved it here and I was taking her away. As much as I hoped to give Sol another parent, these men weren’t ours. One day we would find somewhere we belonged.

“Can I help you?”

That deep velvet voice ignited my anger. I had hoped that Colt would just fuck off.

“No,” I said, grabbing the first bag.

“Nova.” The way he said my name made shivers go down my spine.

“I don’t need your help,” I clipped, forcing myself not to look at him.

“Just listen, please,” he pleaded.

I looked up at him, shocked to hear something other than his usually cocky, full-of-himself attitude and broodiness. My brain short-circuited. This asshole was shirtless which was not fair. How was any woman supposed to stay mad when his body was so chiseled, hard and full of tattoos that I could imagine licking? To top it off, he had a backwards cap on that made him look perfect and a slight glint made me look down at his chest, and his nipples were pierced.

Arousal hit me hard and fast. I needed to get laid.

“I’m sorry,” he said, remorse laced his tone and his demeanor made me believe he was being honest.

“No,” I said, snapping out of his spell, walking out of the room, feeling a little lightheaded.

Atlas walked through the door with a smile on his face, only for it to fall when he noticed the bag I was carrying in my hand.

“I thought we agreed a week?” He put his bag on the floor.

“We did and it’s been eight days,” I said, preparing myself to argue.

“Damn, it feels like you girls just got here.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Why not leave tomorrow, stay till Sunday and start?—”

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