Page 27 of Breaking the Rules
That was the question he would dread the rest of his life. A question that urged him to ignore her request and get to the bottom of the bullshit he’d come home to. His exit from Majestic Heights was child’s play compared to this. Sure, the way the front office wanted to put him on ice and let him waste away for defending his pride was messed up, but this – nothing compared to it.
Los Oceania was a beautiful city with ugly undertones that he knew all too well.
“She’ll come back later,” Noble replied, rubbing her back. “You know what?”
“What?” she tiredly answered.
“Remi is coming tomorrow to make you chocolate chip pancakes.”
“No more of your proteena ones?” she questioned, quickly forgetting the reason she’d roamed down to the room. “Can she take me to get toys?”
Noble softly chuckled. “Yeah, no more protein ones. I’ll make sure she gets you some more toys. But you have to go to sleep.”
“Can I sleep here?” she asked.
Noble had always been unable to tell her no. Reaching over her head, he grabbed pillows to serve as a barrier before rolling over to his side with her in his arms. “Of course. Don’t kick me.”
“I won’t,” Areli assured, rolling out of his hold and grabbing her teddy bear. Face-to-face, she studied her uncle’s features before softly laying her hand on his cheek. “Love you, Unc-Unc.”
“Love you the most, babygirl.”
“Uh uhhh,” Areli tiredly buzzed.
“Uh huhhh. Dueceyy loves who more?” Noble droned.
“Areli!” she cheered with a wiggle.
“Good. And don’t ever forget it,” he hummed, kissing her forehead. “Sleep land is calling you.”
“You go first,” she rebutted with a yawn.
“Together?” he proposed, prompting the pint-sized human to snuggle closer to him.
He continued to rub her back until they drifted off to sleep. Once her breath lulled, he followed suit.
Morning came, and a soft knock sounded off against the door, simultaneously setting off the chime of the cameras. The luxury properties owned by JoyBed came with access to security cameras and systems. In light of everything, Noble needed to ensure the safety of Areli above anything else. Sliding his body from hers, he chuckled softly. How one child, barely forty-five pounds, could hold him hostage for six hours, he’d never understand. Assuring his movement didn’t startle her, he tiptoed out of the room, down the hall, and to the front door.
Remi stood on the other side with a large smile and bags full of things.
“You’re like three hours early, aren’t you?” Noble quizzed, letting her in.
“Early crackhead gets the rock or whatever they say,” Remi hummed as she walked past him. “I’m taking it you haven’t checked your phone?”
“Not at all,” Noble grumbled. “I was up most of the night. I had a tiny foot pressed in the middle of my back. The cherry on top, a fist to my nose.”
“Well, good for her. Someone you can’t fight back,” Remi huffed, putting the bags on the couch and placing her hands on her hips. “Kym has decided to fight her charges. I don’t know why. I don’t know how, but what I do know is that you need to go meet with her lawyer, drop off whatever, and then get to a team meeting. I will keep Areli occupied until you get back.”
Noble filed the information in their rightful folders in his mind so he could tackle one thing at a time. First things first, Areli.
“That’s what all that is for?”
“Clothes, mostly. Dance clothes. I enrolled her in mommy and me classes. I’m not her momma, not trying to be. But there were slots open, and she needs activities. Hair stuff because what you sent me a picture of will not work for my girl’s curls. The county won’t let us get shit out of the house, so Ms. Areli gets a whole new wardrobe.”
“I’ll JoyCash you. Anything else you buy, use my card,” Noble stated. “What else does she need?”
“To eat three square meals and healthy snacks. Your diet isn’t going to suit hers.”
“I eat good,” Noble defended. “I can have a chef come in and handle that.”
