Page 39 of Revived
“No, that’s okay. I know that’d be a lot of moving parts, just for me being silly.” My heart clenches at the reminder of YSA calling me‘Silly woman’just an hour or so ago.
“Yes…” His voice trails off. “Well, on a completely unrelated note, as luck would have it, I have a meeting tomorrow in Pine Springs. Would you mind if I stayed just a couple of days with you at your house? I’ll keep security to just two.”
My heart soars at the thought of my Papa coming to stay with me for a few days. I want to tell him no. To tell him I’m okay and there’s nothing to worry about, but I’m not that strong right now.
“Let me know when you land, and I’ll be at the house.”
I know he’s panicking a little more since I didn’t fight him on it, but thankfully he doesn’t push. “I’ll be there in a couple of hours, bambina.”
“Before you go, there’s something you should know.” Nervousness floods through me. “So, Sullivan and I are kind of together… you know… like officially.”
His laugh is light and it takes me by surprise. “I know, Principessa. Just like I know there are other things you haven’t told me yet. Don’t fret my sweet daughter. We’ll talk about it all when I get there. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”
We say our goodbyes and get off of the phone. I have just enough time to clean up the house before he gets here. No one has steppedfoot in my house– to my knowledge– in over a week. The last time someone was in here was when detectives were sweeping my house for cameras and mics, which they found, just for the record. It takes me a little over an hour to get my house back to smelling and looking exactly like I like it. Gone is the stale air, and in its place is the fresh smell of clean laundry and cleaning products. The spare bedrooms are all set up for him and his two allotted security guards, Elio and Gabe, if I had to take a wild guess.
My Papa overhauled forty percent of his organization years ago when he found out that Lee’s abduction and trafficking was an inside job. Elio and Gabe are almost more loyal to my Papa than I am. They’re both in their early to mid thirties, and my Papa has taken to them like they’re his children. They’re also immaculate at their jobs.
I decide to send Sully a text before he gets off shift and can’t find me. We’ve both been busy all day, so we haven’t had time to talk.
Elle: Hey Monster… So my Papa will be here in an hour. We’re staying at my house for the next couple of days while he’s here… Oh, by the way… He also knows about us. Anyway, I hope you’re having a good shift.
Before I can set my phone down, it’s ringing with a facetime call. I bite back my laugh and answer. Sully’s brooding face fills the screen.
“Hey, Monster.” I smile at him. I’m attempting to disarm him, but the way his eyebrow lifts in question tells me that I’m not getting off that easily.
“Where are you, Elena?” He has purple smudges under his eyes, which tells me he’s barely slept. I wish he could rest before he falls flat on his face, but he’s still got ten or so more hours before he can come home.
“I’m at my house,Sullivan.” I attempt to mock his deep voice when I say his name, because he’s being grouchy.
He runs his hand down his face before blowing out a frustrated breath. “Why? Why do you insist on stressing me the fuck out while I’m on shift?”
“I don’t insist on doing that. Ever think that you just get stressed too easily? You should really get that in check before you’re twenty-six with your first heart attack.” I quip, trying to lighten the mood.
“Yeah, yeah. Why is your Da in town anyway?”
“Because we missed each other? Don’t worry. He’s only bringing two guards.” I reassure him, I know how he gets about Jersey coming to Virginia.
“I don’t care about that, Elle. Are you okay? Is he?” His tone is laced with worry.
“Yes, everyone is okay. A girl is allowed to miss her Papa, ya know?”
“I know. It actually makes me feel a little better that he’ll be with you tonight.”
“Yes, because I’m such a damsel that couldn’t possibly defend herself.” I smirk and roll my eyes. I’m no damsel. Even if he likes to treat me like I am sometimes. I can’t even blame him much. He’s lost so much in his life, he’s just as scared of losing me as I am of losing him.
“I’m not laughing, Boo. I’m serious. It’s getting dark, and you’re there all by yourself. It worries me.” His voice softens with vulnerability.
“I’m okay. The doors are locked and bolted, and my Papa actually just texted me and said he’s leaving the airport just outside of town. He’ll be here in fifteen minutes.” I tell him as I skim the text from my dad that just popped up.
“How long is he staying anyway? I’m going to leave the station in the morning and go home to an empty bed with just my hand to keep me company.” He grumbles. Now he’s just pouting.
I laugh at his pouty expression, “Sul, we’re adults with our own houses. He knows we’re together. Just come over when you get off. I’m taking a couple of mental health days, so I’ll still be asleep when you get here, but you know where my bed is.” My voice drops to a sultry tone.
“So you’re telling me to come over and help myself to breakfast?” His lips tip in the most filthy smirk. His seafoam eyes shimmering with mischief.
“I’m telling you that you won’t hear a complaint out of me if that’s what you choose to do.”
He groans, “You’re killing me, Elle. My mouth on your pretty pussy is the closest I’ll ever get to heaven.”
