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“Paxton, I understand you’re hurting but we don’t have a choice here.”
“Yes, you do. I wanna go home with Athena and… Brock.” Pax’s chin juts out and his eyes become steel orbs.
“They’re not family, sweetie.”
I cross my arms, not at all inclined to help May with this. I’m totally on team Pax.
“My dad ain’t family either. He wasn’t family when he was beatin’ on my mom and he ain’t family now.” Fuck me, this kid is the GOAT.
May’s eyes dart to mine and all I can do is nod to back up Pax’s story.
“She was staying in a safe house with Pax, trying to get her life back together after leaving her abusive husband.” Athena keeps her arms around Paxton, like she doesn’t want to let go of a single inch.
“Ma’am, just…” I clear my throat, trying my best to sound completely put together. “Let us take care of him until you find a permanent home.”
“I can’t—”
“Please?” I think Paxton’s broken word is what gets to her. Certainly not me.
With a sigh, she takes out papers from her folder and places them on the desk. “Fill these out and I swear to God, son, if you disappear with him—” I cut her off because I ain’t leaving my brothers or Athena and neither is Paxton.
“My word is true, Miss Bennett.” We stare at each other long enough to know that we can trust each other.
“Make sure the address is correct and I’ll be coming by to see how he’s doin’.” We all nod and I wish we’d won this fight underhappier circumstances, but the reality of the moment is that Paxton has just lost his mom and we’re about to embark on some crazy shit.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Athena
Watching Paxton smile for the first time in five days has been the highlight of my Christmas Day. Can’t say I’ve ever really celebrated it but I also can’t deny it’s been amazing. Sabrina and Darlene made dinner for everyone before disappearing back to their house to be with Vanessa, who still refuses to go anywhere until Shade has been found.
The whole meal was a lot, but Bear hasn’t left my side, making sure to touch me in some way at all times because he knows it makes me feel safe. Paxton is currently playing pool with Grinder, Boner, and Kincaid, and I watch with a smile of my own as I cuddle further into Bear’s lap on one of the couches. There’s a tense atmosphere that isn’t usually here, but I know that’s because they’re all on edge, feeling guilty for allowing themselves this day. They’re good at hiding it, though, doing their best to laugh and joke around.
“Would you like your Christmas present?” I don’t turn and look at Bear as I speak because I’m nervous. With everythinggoing on, I haven’t started my new job at the coffee shop yet. Lucy said I could begin in the new year, but I don’t exactly have any money to buy him a gift until then.
“You have a gift for me?” His breath against my ear is soft, warm.
Nodding I slide off his lap and hold out a hand for him. “Come with me?”
Bear’s brows rise all the way, but he doesn’t hesitate in taking my hand and standing. I check Paxton is still okay over at the pool table before leading Bear out of the clubhouse room and toward the large kitchen.
“Not where I thought we were going, but I’m game.”
“Patience.” I’m actually enjoying this. His excitement for his surprise is catching. “Wait there.” I position him by the center island and hold my finger up at him.
Opening the refrigerator, I hold my breath before pulling out the dessert Mac helped Paxton and me bake yesterday afternoon.
“Apparently, you told Mac your mama used to bake this for Christmas so I… I dunno. I know it’s not the same or—”
“Baby Girl, I love that you did this.” He doesn’t wait for me to come to him, no, he strides toward me with purpose and the brightest grin. Taking the sweet potato pie from my hands, he carefully places it on the kitchen counter before lifting me and turning to sit me on the center island.
The intense gaze we share lasts a lifetime, yet it’s not long enough, our noses and foreheads millimeters apart. My lips part on a breath and my whole body tingles in anticipation of what he’s going to do next.
“Thank you.” Comfortable between my legs, he warms my cheeks with his large palms and kisses me, gently sliding his tongue between my lips to meet mine. I relax into him, my handsstroking up his black, long-sleeve T-shirt and across his hard, tight chest and his soft groan lights my insides.
His thumbs caress my cheeks, our tongues dancing to a tune only we know, but the sound of footsteps makes us both pause. I realize where we are and what we were possibly going to do in here, and suddenly shame fills me. What if someone had caught us?
“Can I Goldilocks to doing stuff in here please?” My words are a whisper. I’m embarrassed, but I trust Bear with everything that I am so I know I can be honest.