Page 33 of Recklessly In Love With A Ruthless Savage

“I don’t want too many people involved with this.”

“Don’t worry, Black and Blue are solid. You remember me telling you that one of my cousins is a tech genius and the other is ex-military with a private security team. Well, that’s who I got to collect all the information on the Harris’s for you. They’re legit and so is their partner. I think you may know him, August Alexander? They built the surveillance systems that’s keeping August and his family untouched. They’ve got a private network running circles around the FBI," Del said.

“Yeah, I know about them. If they’re your family they're good with me. And from what I know, August is as real as they come,” I said, heading toward the door.

“Are you going to tell Nova about what you’re planning?” Janelle asked.

"Nova doesn’t even know the half of what I’m about to do for our family. But she’ll learn soon enough" I said softly. “Nobody touches what’s mine and walks away whole. Not in this life and not in the next.” I left the building and headed home to be with my family.

“You didn’t have to do this, you know? I would have taken her. I know this is new to you and I don’t want you to feel obligated to drop everything for Timberly. She’s not your daughter and…” She started but I couldn’t let her finish that statement.

“Princess, you and Timber are a package deal. If I couldn’t handle that I wouldn’t have proposed,” I told her.

“You didn’t exactly propose but that neither here nor there You sound like this is a real marriage Crew. Did you forget this is a business deal?”

“No, but you must have forgot that I said I would make sure you and Timber were good no matter what. So that means anything baby girl asks I’m going to do. This is real for as long as we're married.”

If it's up to me, that will be forever.

“I told you that I was going to be as much of a father to Timber as I would be a husband to you. You are my wife and Timber is my daughter, so no matter how big or small an event it is, if my daughter wants me to attend I’m going to be there,” I said walking over to wrap my arms around her waist. “Is that okay with you Mrs. Sanderson?” Fuck! My wife was so beautiful. I held her close to me as she finished getting ready for Timberly’s event.

“Thank you, Crew,” She said with a slight sniffle.

I turned her to face me and saw the tears brimming in her eyes. “Baby are you crying?”

“No, I just… Timberly has wanted this for so long. To have a father figure in her life and I’m just really happy,” she cried.

I hugged her tighter to my body letting her feel the love I had for her and Timber. “I’ll do anything for y'all. I mean that. Come on, we're going to be late,” I said, planting a kiss on her forehead before letting her go so she could finish getting ready.

The gymnasium of Timber’s school was filled with people. You would think that this was the Olympics, not a gym show for 7- and 8-year-olds. But what could you expect from an elite private elementary school where none of the parents made less than 500K a year? I was glad we increased security for Timberly and Nova. There were too many unknowns at this event. The school was putting on an event for the Spring sports with students from Timberline and Brookview.

They had been practicing since school started in the fall for tonight. We couldn't wait too to see her performance. Timber had been working hard. I even had a room off the sunroom turned into a mini gym for her to work on her tumbling. For a 7-year-old, she was as good as any teenager. She had no fear and would never quit. No matter how many times she fell or didn't stick a landing she would always get back up and try again. I was so proud of her and honored that she wanted me to be at her event.

We sat in the stands with the other parents and guests as the program started.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen Walden Academy would like to thank you for attending our spring fling gymnastics event. We hope that you enjoy the show and without further ado we present our little tumblers,” the announcer said.

The show started and we watched the kids in Timberly’s class perform choreographed gymnastics routines individualized to their skill set. And then Timber took her place in the spotlight with another little girl about the same age and the routine wasflawless. They were sticking everything perfectly. I can tell that they practiced together often because they were so in sync. I was so proud of Timber.

Keeping my eyes on our surroundings I noticed a familiar face amongst the crowd. A large man sat next to a curvy short woman and watched the performance intently. Two big niggas sat at their backs doing the same. I recognized him instantly, it was August Alexander. I’m guessing the big niggas were Black and Blue Davenport. August rarely went anywhere without them. When gazes met he gave me a head nod and I did the same. One of his kids must go to school with Timber.

The routine ended and everyone in attendance cheered and clapped for the girls.

“They were the best out of everyone, don’t you think?” Nova asked with a big smile.

“Yeah, Princess, but I was gon say that shit anyway. Ain’t nobody fuckin wit our girl.” I chuckled. For what felt like the first time in my life. I hadn’t had anything to laugh at in a long time or anyone to laugh with and the shit felt good. Timber ran up to us holding the hand of the same little girl she’d done the routine with.

“Mommy, Crew-dad, this is my friend Tati. Can she come over this weekend?” she asked, giggling.

“Nice to meet you,” Nova and I said in unison.

“You girls did so well,” she said.

“Thank you for inviting me,” I said to Timber.

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re my dad,” Timber said with a straight face.

That shit almost broke me down in public. I could hear Nova’s super sensitive ass sniffling behind me.

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