Page 54 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

“There was a social worker that came to check on his status,” he started slowly and dread came over me.

“What have you told them?” My voice was a whisper.

“I told her you are doing as best as you can,” he actually sounded sorry. “But you were thrown into it and are struggling. You really need a partner or parents to help care for Brandon.”

“What?” I screeched. I couldn’t let them take Brandon away.

“I’m sorry,” and he really sounded sorry, but I was seeing red. “Children are a lot of work, and you are single and unaccustomed to all that responsibility.”

“You are fucking sorry,” I yelled into the phone. “All that because I am single? You should concern yourself less about the fact that I am single, and more that a child left your building without notice. That could be the basis for a lawsuit!”

“Brandon took a key from one of the teachers,” he didn’t sound concerned at all. “You have to admit, you are drowning,” he continued softly. Yes, I was drowning a little bit, but it was getting better, at least today. “You are not used to all this and it came slamming into you overnight.”

“Yes, it’s been hard,” I continued yelling although there was no need. He could hear perfectly well. “But he is better with me than being put into foster care. You need to call that woman. Right now! Tell her you were wrong.”

“This is too much for you alone,” he told me.

“What do you mean?” I totally didn’t follow what he was saying. “We got this. I got this!”

“I mean you need a partner to help you carry this load,” he continued on, his voice was unwavering and I knew he meant it.

“That is the most sexist thing I have ever heard,” I exclaimed. “If you think I’ll just let this go, you are out of your mind. I will be sure to report this incident to… “ Fuck, I had no idea. “...to someone. And if I have to, I’ll take my last dollar… um, pound… and make sure every parent knows about this child negligence incident.”

“I have already reported this incident,” he replied as if I didn’t just threaten him. Was I really so lame when it came to sound tough and threatening? “You need help raising a boy,” he retorted stubbornly.

“I’ll get a boyfriend,” I told him, desperately. How in the hell was I going to find a boyfriend? I haven’t been on a date in forever. I just got stood up last night!

“You need a husband to raise a child.” I swore I must have stood there with my mouth open, shocked.

“A husband?” I asked as if I wasn’t sure what that meant.

“Yes, I’m sorry,” he apologized again.

“How am I supposed to find a husband in less than two weeks?” I asked him, desperation in my voice, on the verge of tears. “Put an add in the paper? This is ridiculous, there are tons of single mothers and fathers out there.”

“But you are not a mother, are you?” he asked. “I am sorry, but I stand firm on what I said. I told them you were trying really hard and Brandon loves you, but you needed a husband to help you through this journey. I am glad Brandon is safe. I shall see you tomorrow. Good afternoon.”

And he hung up. The day started off so good and now this. I stood there in shock, my world turned upside down for the second time in less than one month. How did it all go backwards?

Chapter Twenty-Five

Alexander

Ilistened to the one-sided conversation Liberty was having with Brandon’s daycare and the perfect time to act on my plan was now. The perfect opportunity presented itself. The little bit of standards I had left kept telling me to wipe that idea out of my mind. She had enough heartache, but I knew we would be good together, like a volcano and lava. The sick part of me kept justifying it. It could be a way for me to repay her mother.

Brandon didn’t even realize it, but he’d inadvertently confirmed Liberty’s pull towards me. She fought it subconsciously, always on the guard. The pull between us was so strong and raw. I had to have her. Unless I forced her hand, she would never willingly come to me.

I was doing it for her and me. Anything she desired, I wanted to be the one to give it to her. I wanted to possess every bit of her, her body and soul. And I wanted to give her all of me.

My mind was made up, when Maxim spoke up low next to me.

“Man, that is shitty. Maybe we could help Livy?”

Oh, I was going to help! And in the process, I would make her mine forever. I just had to ensure she never found out my role in her mother’s death. Piece of cake. Nobody would take Brandon from her, she’d be mine, and I would make her happy.

The end justifies the means, my father always used to say. I hated the cold bastard but in this instance, I was going to use his approach.

Ignoring my brother, I walked over to my private bathroom, her guarded hazel green eyes glistening with tears while she held her phone to her ear. Her graceful back was turned to me, her dark lush hair falling down it. I had to use my self-restraint to keep from reaching out and pulling my hand through her hair.

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