Page 95 of Like An Animal

He’s so damn pitiful.

“Daddy!” Charlotte practically screams as she runs to Jeremy. He scoops her up before she can barrel into him and she hugs her arms around his neck. “Daddy, don’t go.” I can hear the pout in her voice.

Jeremy groans with irritation. “Don’t ask me to do that.”

I don’t want him to go either, but I swear if he bends to her will one more time, I’ll schedule a family meeting about how he’s going to spoil her rotten.

Just two days ago she asked for a damn pony and he immediately called around until he found someone who sold ponies.

I’m going to have to nip this in the bud. She’s not going to be a spoiled brat. I’ve known plenty of spoiled brats and every one of them didn’t understand the meaning of the word no.

I pinch Jeremy’s side and he chuckles before Charlotte concedes.

“Fiiiine. But, let Xavi stay. Please!” Charlotte kicks around as if with excitement.

“Please don’t leave Xavi behind,” Xavi speaks up, groaning. I swear he’s at wit’s end with Charlotte.

I roll my eyes as Xavi walks over to us. “Be careful and watch after him,” I direct to Xavi as he nods and pulls me into a hug.

“You’ve got my word. I’ll bring him back without so much as a scratch on him.”

“Thank you, Xavi. You’re the best. I don’t know what we would do without you.”

He snorts. “You’d get a new babysitter.”

“Oh, stop it. Can you really blame Lottie for latching onto you? You’re a goofy sweetheart.”

Xavi rolls his eyes. “I’m not goofy. I am a child at heart. Thank you very much!”

“No, you’re a dumbass,” Jeremy retorts as Charlotte grabs Xavi’s hand, telling him about some crazy secret her doll has. The irritation on his face just grows and I can’t help laughing.

“No, I’m not. If I were a dumbass, would Bron like me?” Xavi throws his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in for a one armed hug.

Jeremy’s eyes narrow immediately. “Don’t test me, man.” Then, he runs a hand down his face, bathed in exhaustion. “And, my wife feels bad for every stray animal she sees.”

“I am not a stray!”

“Sure, you aren’t. You’re just a runt who has never been able to keep his hands off of my woman.”

“Keep that up, Borza. She might just decide she likes me better.” Then, Xavi proceeds to stick his tongue out at Jeremy and I slowly shake my head at his antics.

I swear men are such babies.

“Get in the damn car before I accidentally kill you in front of my kid. Be quick about it or I’ll leave you behind and you won’t get a reprieve from said child.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice,” Xavi mutters and gives me a peck on the cheek before dodging around Jeremy.

“Don’t kill him. Our daughter is attached.”

Jeremy rolls his eyes. “No promises.”

I grin. He’s so damn possessive it’s adorable. “I love you. I’ll see you when you get back.”

Jeremy pulls me into his arms and gives me a sweet kiss before hurrying out the door. He throws a quick “I love you” over his shoulder before shutting the door.

I really hope they come back safely.

CHAPTER 40