Page 62 of Petals of Blue: Part One
I lean against the wall because I'm damn curious about what's happening out here. My eyebrows jump to my forehead when Felix's shoulder start bouncing and a laugh sounds through the apartment.
"Sorry, sunshine. I'm not getting in the middle of...what was it?"
I swear I can feel Violet rolling her eyes. "Roundhouse kick. And you wouldn't be my practice dummy. Just tell Roman to teach me."
Oh wow, now she's pouting. Sometimes I forget she's still only eighteen. A soft snore draws my attention to the livingroom where Declan and Jared are splayed out on the floor in a makeshift bed of blankets and throw pillows.
Jesus, they really did sleep over.
Felix turns around, spatula in hand, and pins my kid with a look. "How 'bout you start with simple moves? That one is too dangerous for beginners."
She sucks in a breath, and I know exactly what's about to happen. Violet's had her fair share of training and moments where she's actually had to use her knowledge, which is a touchy subject. Felix just pissed her off.
"I know enough about self-defense. If Roman would just?—"
"I said no," Felix states firmly. Honestly I'm a bit surprised about how many toes he's stepping on.
"You aren't my dad!" Violet all but shouts, making me cringe. I should step in. But if they want to be with me, then they need to figure out their own way to deal with Violet's behavior. V has a lot of trauma. While she is happy, outgoing, smart, and motivated, she has triggers, and she's still young.
"Violet," Roman says softly, drawing her fiery attention to him. "I never said no. I'd like to make sure Blue is okay with me teaching you that move becauseI'mnot comfortable without her permission. This isn't about your capabilities or me trying to control you."
Violet deflates and murmurs what I hope is an apology. Taking that as my cue, I exit the hallway and beeline right for the bacon. To Felix, who’s looking at me with a heated expression, I whisper, "Now you tell her your point of view."
He swallows, looking me up and down before addressing the situation. "I have a thing about safety and respect. One, I didn't want you learning something that could hurt you. Two, you weren't respecting Roman's decision when you asked me to force him into something he didn't want to do. I apologize for being too direct and snappy with you, sunshine."
She doesn't hesitate. "I'm sorry too," Violet's voice wobblesa little, and I know she's anxious to mend these new bonds she's forming. "To you and Roman."
The bacon in my mouth struggles to go down as I swallow when Roman gets up and pulls V into a side hug.
"You okay?" Felix asks, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. All I do is nod, becausewow, what a morning already. "Where'd you get that shirt, sweetheart?"
Confused by his question while being distracted by Declan and Jared standing and stretching in my living room, I stutter. "Wh-What?"
"I said," he presses into my side with a heated look on his face, "where did you get this shirt?"
"Oh...I actually don't know." WheredidI find it?
"Hey!" Declan shouts, eyeing me like he wants to eat me. "Is that my favorite fucking shirt from junior year?!"
Oh shit!"Oh my god! I totally forgot! I took this after we did that hike in the pouring rain!"
How could I forget? I was freezing, and when we got back to the car, Declan offered me his extra shirt in the back. I never gave it back.
"Do you want it back?" I ask hesitantly. This ismyfavorite shirt.
Declan saunters over to me, loops an arm around my back and shakes his head. "It's all yours. Just like we are," he adds and presses his lips to mine so fast I don't even have the chance to close my eyes.
Violet saves me from his delicious touch and suggestive words with her own demand. "I need all four of you guys in a line, kay? I'll teach you a new viral dance that my followers willlove. Then after that, someone can teach me to do a roundhouse kick."
I laugh, rush over to her and kiss the top of her head. "I'll teach you, V. Don't worry."
Her wide-eyed look of shock lights up my morning. I lovesurprising her. My four men surprisemenot half an hour later when they've completed the dance perfectly. And so damn sexy. Especially when they continue feeding me bacon and fruit.
Wait...myfour men?!
Forty
JARED
