Page 73 of Don't Break My Heart
“That’s not what Reef thinks.”
“Reef was upset.”
“Reef was right, I have been selfish. I wasn’t thinking about what you all needed, I was only thinking about helping those girls.”
“I love how much you care about others, Sloane. You’re not selfish, you can just be very focused and then you don’t see what’s happening around you. You need us to help with the bigger picture, like keeping you safe while you save the world. That’s what Reef was getting at.”
My head drops as I think back to his furious expression as he sped out of the parking lot the other morning. “I have never seen him so angry before. Not with me, anyway.”
“I have. He’ll get over it, he just needs time to process. It’s hard when you’re the one always trying to keep everyone else happy. It can’t last forever; eventually reality kicks you in the ass. He’s just lying low while he licks his wounds. He will come around when he’s ready.”
“What the fuck did you do to him, or shouldn’t I ask?”
“We have been together a long time, Sloane. I have pissed him off on occasion.”
“I bet.” I huff out a laugh.
“Don’t be a smartass or I might just have to bend you over your desk and fuck the attitude right out of you.”
“You have done enough fucking me for today. Now I need to catch up.” I pull out my desk chair and sit down before he can make good on his warning.
“I’ll go get us some dinner. What do you feel like?”
“Your choice. But can you get something for Onyx as well? I know he hasn’t been looking after himself since we got home.”
He raises a brow. “You’re trusting me to pick your dinner?” He smiles cheekily.
“You’re good with food.” I smirk back.
“Italian it is, I know it’s your favorite.” Now he’s full-on grinning back at me.
He goes to leave, but as he does, I have one more question for him. “What’s wrong with his grandma?”
“Cancer, she’s pretty sick. She’s the only family he has, and he didn’t find her until a few years ago.”
“Oh.” It’s all I can say. I’m so sad for him. “He has you and Onyx.”
“And you, if you will stop being so stubborn and go knock on his door instead of just stalking him every morning before work.”
My eyes narrow. “You know about that?”
“You’re hardly discreet, doll face. And you know Reef is a detective, right? If he didn’t see you spying on him, I would be worried.”
I smirk back at him, knowing he’s right. I’m nearly as bad as Orlando.
Chapter 31
Ipullupoutthe front of Reef’s house hoping to catch a glimpse of him. I know Romeo said they are all staying at the safe house at the docks, but every day when I drive past, he has been here with his gran. Onyx left the same time as me and I’m sure is sitting behind me in his car. Even though I know he’s following me around now, he hasn’t overstepped the mark and demanded he drive me. I have been allowed a small snippet of my freedom, even if he did make fun of me for scratching up the side door.
I watch as Reef walks into the living room, he kisses the old woman on the forehead as he hands her a cup of something hot. She smiles up at him, and he takes the seat opposite her. I want to try and fix things like Romeo suggested, but I have no clue where to start. I wasn’t expecting him to just block me out. That’s normally my way of dealing with them. But getting the cold shoulder from Reef has sort of shaken me. I don’t know what to do.
Another car pulls up, a little red one that moves right into the driveway and parks. A young woman gets out; she’s in jeans and a T-shirt and has a grocery bag with her. As she walks up to the house, her ponytail swings from side to side, like she’s happy. I know the type all bubbly and giggly and shit. I sit up a little taller. Who the fuck is she?
She walks to the front door and knocks, grinning from ear to ear as she waits.
Reef moves through the house, opening the door for her, matching her happiness. She chats away to him, the two of them looking like they know each other well. It’s when she places a hand on his arm that I start moving without being able to control my limbs. My hand grips the door handle, opening it without another thought. Who the fuck does this chick think she is, touching my man.
I get out of the car in a rush then slam the door. I see my reflection in the car door and wince. I look crazy as fuck. What the hell is wrong with me? Instead of storming over to him like I was about to, I take a breath and turn around, leaning into the door.Keep your cool, Sloane, and for God’s sake try and act less psycho.My eyes rise, meeting his gaze, and I notice a slight squint as his eyes narrow in on me. Fuck. He says something to the woman, and she moves into the house with her bag of groceries.
