Page 74 of Throne of Sin

It seems like so much more than that, and I’m so scared of losing her, because of my mistake.

Chapter 37

Dante

Ihaveadaughterwho is smart, kind, and beautiful. It’s hard to wrap my mind around. I say the words out loud, but I don’t believe them. I don’t know how to be a dad.

I fold the page edge over, marking my spot in my parenting for dummies book, before looking over at the five other books on my counter. My eyes are dry and tired as I rub at them before checking my phone to watch Demi and our daughter eating dinner together at Margaret’s. Right now, my men are placing cameras throughout her mother’s house, changing the locks, and putting an alarm system in. Demi is stubborn as Hell, and will only stay where I tell her for so long. I’m shocked she even agreed to the two nights away from her childhood home.

Part of me is excited to see her react to the upgraded security I’ve added without her consent. She doesn’t get it. I’ll do anything to keep them safe. They’re my family. Nothing more needs to be said.

The next day, Demi and Oakleigh arrive at my house on time with my driver. I open the door of the car and take a seat in the back. The space is tight and my leg brushes against Demi’s. She tries to move over, but it’s not far enough for us not to touch.

“Stop being dramatic,” I whisper so that only she can hear.

Her lips purse into a scowl that looks all too cute on her.

My driver already knows the plan and heads back to our old neighborhood. I can tell Demi wants to ask questions but refuses. We stop at the end of her old driveway, the one I used to keep watch over.

“Here are your new keys.” I place one of them into Oakleigh’s hands and drop the other into Demi’s lap when her hand doesn’t come up. “Your set also has the car keys on it.”

I open the door, closing it after me, but jog to the other side, opening Oakleigh’s for her.

“I’ve changed the locks and added an alarm system.”

“I’m going to go to the backyard and let you two talk,” Oakleigh says, walking away.

“Now you’ve made her uncomfortable,” Demi chastises.

“You have made it perfectly clear that you want nothing from me. But you will not stop me from ensuring the safety of our daughter.” I give her a tight smile that riles her up more. The more we argue, the more relaxed and comfortable I become. This is a part of who we are and it comes so naturally.

“Now, excuse me. I’m taking our daughter shopping for her new bedroom.”

Demi pinches her nose, breathing loudly. “Dante! I have this under control. You buy for your house, and I’ll buy for mine.”

I give her a cocky shrug and walk away, leaving her stomping her feet. “You better go learn the alarm system.” I toss over my shoulder and hear her give a small, adorable growl. Making Demi angry is almost as fun as making her happy.

“Hey, Kiddo. Want to go for ice cream while your mother works on the house?”

“Did you know if you have a dog your house is thirty-five percent less likely to be broken into?”

I think about her comment and ask, “Would you feel safer if we got you a puppy?”

Her entire face lights up, and I already know we’re coming back with any animal she wants. “Go say bye to your mom and let’s go look.” She smiles, running off, and is back before I even have a hand on the door handle.

“Do you want to look at some breeder websites for dogs?” I already have one pulled up the moment we drive away.

“No, most of those can be puppy mills. I want to get one from the shelter and be the one to give it a second chance.”

“I know just the place.” When I was twelve, I had to do a community service job for vandalism and it happened to be at the local Humane Society.

The moment we walk in, I’m easily recognized. It’s the same nice old woman who ran the place twenty years ago and she has short curly gray hair, still looking like she’s a hundred years old. I wonder what her real age is…

“Dante!” She slowly walks over and takes one of my hands in both of hers. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“My daughter here would like to adopt a pet.”

Her eyes light up and she looks down at Oakleigh. “Wonderful!” She lets go of my hand and starts asking Oakleigh a bunch of questions.

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