“You’re a queen. Queens are never seen in items from a clearance rack.” He took her clothes out of her hands and pushed her to her feet.
She pouted at him for a moment before going into the bathroom and closing the door behind her.
“I like that jean skirt,” Vincent said, grinning. “Easy access.”
Dom shook his head and tossed the clothes at him. “Find her something else.”
“Gladly,” he said, taking the items and going into their closet to rummage around.
The shower turned on as Dom closed his eyes. “Wake me when she’s ready. I need a nap.”
Instead of waiting for Vin to emerge from the closet, I got up and knocked lightly on the bathroom door. When I opened it, Bianca was already in the shower. I stepped inside the room and closed the door behind me. I leaned against the sink, my arms crossed over my chest as I watched her.
She turned and let out a soft gasp at seeing me there.
“Hey,” she said.
“Hey,” I answered, smiling at her. “You’re pissing off your husband.”
“He’s pissing me off,” she muttered, rinsing out her long blonde hair. She turned off the water and grabbed a towel before stepping out.
“You know Dom. He’s overworked and always on edge.”
“I know.” She sighed and stepped up to me in her towel.
I didn’t reach out for her. I liked it when she made the first move.
She licked her lips. “Levin? Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
She blew out a breath. “Do you think I’m being unreasonable about this baby stuff? Like, I’m not ready. I told him I wasn’t. He’s worried there’s something wrong with him. Then there’s Fallon. I miss him. I know he’s not betraying us—” Tears prickled her blue eyes.
“I don’t think you’re being unreasonable,” I said softly. “I think you and Dom are on two different pages. As for Fallon, only time will tell. So just give it time, OK?”
She nodded miserably. “C-can… will you hug me? I need a hug.”
“Come here,” I said, opening my arms for her.
She fell into them and buried her face in my chest, sniffling.
Fucking Dom.He really did need to give this baby shit a rest.
“He made some calls today about your dad. I heard him when I came in.”
“He did?” She clung to me tighter.
“Yeah. He has someone digging deeper into it. He doesn’t have answers yet, but he’s trying.”
“I haven’t spoken to my mom in weeks. I’m not planning to even go home for Christmas break because I don’t want to deal with them. You think she’s OK?”
“If she wasn’t OK, you’d know, bumblebee. It’s not exactly something D’Angelou would want to keep from you. He’d be all about tormenting you with the knowledge.”
“I guess you’re right.” She pulled away and gazed up at me. “Thank you.”
I reached out and cradled her face. “What for?”
“For being… you. I love you.”