Princess messaged me while Maverick and I were taking a nap. Her text said that Nightmare was asking about me, wondering if I’d be back to the barbecue. She said he’s waiting.
Should I go back? Why does he even care? I can’t stop thinking of how it felt when he touched me. His presence is so large, it’s impossible not to feel him on absolutely every part of my body.
The doorbell rings and I jump—startled a bit—secretly hoping it’s Night, but dreading it in the same breath. If it’s him, I’ll most likely shit my pants, being alone with him and our son.Shit, I’ve dug myself a deep hole.
Checking the peephole, I find London on the other side and let loose the breath I’d been holding.
Opening it with a smile, I greet her with a “Hi,” and gaze at her curiously.
“Hey, chica. I asked Princess where you ran off to, and when she said you weren’t feeling well, I wanted to stop over to check on you.”
“Oh, wow. That’s nice of you, thanks.”
“I know what it’s like to have a little one and feel like ass. Can I get you anything or help out?”
I let her in and shut the door quickly, like Nightmare’s hiding out in the bushes or something. I know he’s not, but seeing him earlier has me semi-paranoid.
I don’t really know what to say. Part of me wants to throw my arms around her and hug her. There’ve been many times, I’ve been sick and had to carry a trash bin around with me in case I randomly had to puke while trying to take care of a baby on my own. It was hard and every minute sucked, but I gritted and cried and puked my way through it. I never let anyone know it either, not even Princess. She would’ve been knocking down my door to help me, but I had to prove to myself that I could do it on my own. So far I have.
“No. I appreciate it more than you know. I think it was just the heat that got to me. I don’t spend a lot of time outside anymore, and it wore me out quick.”
“I know how that is. If it’s not spring or fall, I don’t attempt to be outside unless there’s a pool nearby.”
“Gotta love Texas.”
“I do, just not the summer heat,” she says seriously, and I grin.
“Me too,” I agree and decide I really do like her.
She was nice at the compound, but one thing I admire about London is she’s genuine. It’s hard to find that in a lot of people, especially when you first meet them. I discovered earlier she’s Cain’s wife. Cain belongs to Ares’ club, and he’s pretty wild according to Princess. He was busy grilling when I was there earlier, so I didn’t get a chance to speak to him.
“So, are you feeling better now, then?”
“Yeah, I am. I knocked out with Mav and got to recharge a bit.”
“Awesome. You heading back to the festivities?”
“I should. I’m supposed to be here supporting Princess. So far, I haven’t done a great job of it, either.”
“Want to walk back with me then?”
“You walked?”
“Hell yeah, my mom’s coming to get my kids later. I’m having some delicious drinks tonight, namely anything with tequila in it.”
“Nice.” Grabbing Maverick’s bag, I shuffle through it to make sure we have everything already.
His toys and pack of cheese crackers are there, along with a twenty dollar bill. I doubt we’d need any money, but I stuck it in there earlier just in case. I’ve learned the hard way that being unprepared sucks, big time.
“Let me go check on him and see if he’s fully awake.”
“Okay.” She nods, and I make my way to the guest room.
Maverick was awake earlier, but he was still in sleepy mode, plucking at his stuffed giraffe’s hair. It’s his routine until he fully wakes up and goes from zero to fifty with energy.
“Hey buddy, are you awake yet?”
“Hmmm?” he grumbles, turning toward me. He’s definitely Nightmare’s son; he can be so grouchy if you don’t let him have ‘his time.’ Same as in the mornings, too, when he needs cereal, cartoons, and quiet. Just like I need coffee to function and get myself going.