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“I’m sorry. I’m not hungry anymore.”

Jenner started swearing quietly, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell him off. Instead, she attempted to slide off his lap. He tightened his hold on her.

“Baby, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up.”

“It’s all right. I want to go to bed. Please let me go.”

“I’ll carry you up.” Jenner stood with her in his arms.

“You don’t have to.”

“Twinkles, I know I don’t have to. I want to,” he told her as he carried her upstairs. He turned her so she was pressed to his chest. She glanced over his shoulder at Tobias who was staring after her, his face tortured.

Cupcakes.

She hadn’t meant to do that to him. To upset him.

Immy didn’t want to make anyone upset. She smiled at him, aware it probably looked a bit sad. He had his fists clenched as he leaned them on the bench.

And he didn’t smile back.

“I’m sorry, Jenner,” she told him as they reached her bedroom.

He sat her on the bed and then sat, facing her. “Why are you sorry? If anyone should be apologizing, it should definitely be me.”

She tilted her head to the side. “Why?”

“Because I’ve been a shit friend.”

“Really? Wow, if the guy who has been looking after me day and night is a bad friend, then I’d really like to see a good one.”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ve been avoiding you and that hurt you and I’m sorry. I just . . . ” He shook his head. “This isn’t the time or place. Just know that I love you, Immy. I wish I’d known the extent that your dad was being an asshole.”

“There was nothing any of us could have done.”

“Maybe not. That was the worst thing about that place. The feeling of helplessness. Of being out of control. I have to have control, Immy.”

He had his hands clenched and there was a strange look on his face. One that scared her.

“You have control now.” She placed her hands on his hands, but he stood and they dropped away.

“I don’t. Not enough. But I’m getting there. I will be worthy of you, Immy. I promise.” Turning, he strode to the door. Then he turned. “And you shouldn’t let your father’s words stop you from getting what you need. He might have called you childish and immature, but I happen to think that you are the best person I’ve ever met. I love it when you laugh and play. When you’re carefree and happy. That makes me happy.”

She gaped after him.

What in the unicorn poop had just happened?

Tobias finished cleaningup the broken egg, glancing up as Jenner walked back into the kitchen. The other man started pacing. He was like a boiling kettle about to spill over.

“Immy all right?” he asked, feeling surprisingly calm considering he’d just been throwing eggs. Well, one egg. But he’d wanted to throw the whole fucking carton.

“I can’t believe that bastard used to say those things to her. I knew he was an asshole. A selfish dick. Fucking bastard. Wish I could dig him up and piss on his dead body.”

Tobias slowly nodded. “Yeah. I get that. I can make it happen.”

Jenner stopped and gaped at him. “You’re not serious.”

“Sure, I am.” He watched as the other man swallowed heavily. Then he sat at the kitchen island. “Fuck. Fuck! That’s likely the reason why she denies that she’s a Little. She tries to suppress it.”