Page 94 of Undeniably Corrupt
Hazel spins around to show off her tutu. “Mommy did too.”
“You know, you’re right.” I hold up my phone for her to see. “Here, I can show you the video before I post it.”
“You took a video?!” Liora rushes me, half-teasing, half-serious, and unfortunately, Hazel does too, getting in on the game. But because I’m trying to block Liora’s assault—my kitten has some serious claws—I miss the bigger threat. Hazel runs into me at full speed, and the top of her head nails me right in the nuts.
“Ugh,” I groan and drop to my knees, my elbows and forehead hitting the floor next as I try not to cry or vomit. Searing pain shoots from my balls up to my stomach.
“Oh!” Liora covers her small laugh with a cough. “That’s an unexpected surprise. That has to hurt. Are you okay? Do you want ice or something?”
I hold up a hand, unable to speak yet.
“What happened?” sweet, innocent, little Hazel asks as if she didn’t just take me down to the floor. “Are you okay?”
I blow out a long, slow breath. “I’m fine.” Maybe. That’s a solid maybe right now.
“Do you have a bad boo-boo? Do you need a Band-Aid?” Hazel climbs on my back to check me out, which isn’t helping anything.
“Hazel, honey, climb off him. He’s okay.”
“Only if you don’t want more children,” I deadpan and slowly sit back because Hazel sounds upset.
“Har, har. See. He’s fine. Why don’t you go to the playroom, and I’ll be right there so we can wash off our faces?”
Hazel gives me a look, her eyes a little wobbly, and I hold out my arms to her. “I’m okay, kiddo. Promise.”
She gives me a hug, and I don’t even care if she gets purpleshit all over my shirt. I really needed this hug after the morning I’ve had. Hazel runs off, and Liora is right in front of me, a glass of cold water in her hand that I gratefully accept.
“She nailed you good.” Her lips twitch.
“Direct hit.”
“I’d say you deserve it for scaring me like that, but I think that’d be overkill.”
“Does she take dance lessons?”
“Huh?”
“You did. Growing up, you did.”
Liora squats so our faces are close. “Don’t.”
“I’m just asking a question.”
“She’s only two and a half, Vander. When I’m done with school and we’re?—”
“Still living here with me.”
She scoffs dismissively, but I’m serious. I’m so fucking serious. I want this with her. I want it with Hazel too. I want to come home and find them dressed up and dancing and singing. I want Liora in my bed beside me so I know nothing and no one will ever hurt her again. I want her secrets because she wants to tell me everything there is to know about her. I want her heart. And her soul. And her children.
I want her future to be with me.
“She’ll do whatever her heart wants.”
I nod in agreement because I’ll make sure of it.
“You’re a very sexy tiger.”
She puffs a breath and laughs lightly. “Obviously. If you’re a good boy, I’ll do your face too.”
