Page 95 of Cyber Revenge

“Humor me,” he chuckles, his lips brushing against my ear as he lifts me effortlessly. “Let me take care of my girl.”

Hisgirl.

The words send a shiver down my spine every damn time.

But as much as I love having him take care of me, I miss my daughter.

The house feels too quiet without her laughter echoing through the halls. And as much as I love being wrapped up in Trip’s arms, a part of me aches for her to come home.

I miss our movie nights. Our late-night ice cream runs. I miss her messy ponytails and the way she rolls her eyes when I embarrass her in front of her friends.

Trip knows all about her. I told him so many stories. He’s about to meet her finally, and I’m nervous. But not because I don’t think they’ll get along.

Because I know they will.

When she finally walks through the front door, her backpack slung over one shoulder and a wide grin splitting her face, my heart nearly bursts.

“Mom!”

I barely have time to brace myself before she launches herself into my arms, her little body squeezing mine so tight that my ribs protest.

“Easy, baby,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as I fight back tears. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too,” she whispers, her voice muffled against my shirt.

And then she sees him.

Trip stands by the kitchen, his arms crossed over his chest, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he watches us.

Her eyes go wide, her gaze flicking between us.

“Who’s that?”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding as I glance at Trip.

“Babe… Sorry, I mean Trip, this is Alia.” I brush her hair back from her face, my fingers trembling slightly. “Alia, this is Trip.”

Her eyes narrow, her expression suspicious in the way only a child can pull off.

“Trip?”

Trip steps forward, his movements slow, careful. He crouches down, meeting her eyes with a warmth I haven’t seen in him before.

“Hey, kid,” he murmurs, his voice softer than I’ve ever heard it.

She doesn’t say anything for a moment, her little face scrunching up as she studies him like she’s trying to figure out if he’s good enough for me.

She breaks the silence. “Do you play Minecraft?”

Trip blinks.

“I… what?”

“Minecraft.” Her eyes narrow again. “Do you play it?” Trip’s lips twitch, and I know he’s fighting a smile.

“Yeah,” he chuckles, his voice laced with amusement. “I do.”

Her eyes light up.