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“Mmm…” The sound slips out before I realize all eyes are on me. “Yes?”
Jinx, who’s sitting between me and Zakiya, stares at me with a perplexed frown, causing me to straighten and clear my face of residual arousal.
“Ms. Chase has provided a list detailing your daughter’s needs. It will take some time for us to implement the changes, but I’m willing to accommodate her as it will benefit the entire school. We just need to finalize when to enroll her.”
Now that they need my input, we discuss the details while I observe my daughter’s reactions. Once we finalize everything, I lead Jinx and Zakiya to the car. Because I’m now in my I-don’t-give-a-fuck stage, I curve my hand around Zakiya’s waist and pull her flush to my side.
Her breath catches before she flashes her dark brown eyes at me. Despite the protest on her lips, she keeps silent in front of Jinx.
Am I the asshole who’ll take advantage of my daughter’s presence to get what I want from Zakiya?
Absolutely, I fucking am.
“This isn’t the way home.” Zakiya leans toward the window, watching the scenery pass as we travel in the opposite direction of my Haven mansion. Although her seat faces me, she’s avoided catching my eye since I escorted her to the car.
Is this shyness on her part because she feels the same intense desire for me I have for her? It’s hard to reconcile this side of her given she challenges me at every turn. More surprising is, I like when she’s bashful as much as I like when she threatens me with bodily violence.
“We aren’t,” I answer Zakiya after my contemplative silence.
I wink at Jinx who’s sitting beside me in her booster seat. She hasn’t stopped staring at me since I held Zakiya at my side. Ever since last night when she allowed me to hold her, she hasn’t shied away from being close to me.
“My brother invited us for lunch. He wants to get to know his niece, and it will be an excellent opportunity for you to get to know my family, too.”
Zakiya snaps her head around to spear me with a penetrating glare. “I’m here in a professional capacity. As long as your family doesn’t pose a danger to Jinx, there’s no reason for me to be BFFs with the mayor.”
Jinx swings her head between us, studying us. I’m not sure whether to be alarmed or intrigued by the thoughts she keeps to herself, but whatever passes through her mind I’ll be here to support her.
The car rolls to a stop in front of Valentino’s new home. The last house was destroyed during a family dispute with one of the Bari DeLucas. The new place is bigger than the last, with more security, and serves as a big fuck you to anyone who tries to come after my brother.
Jinx, Zakiya, and I walk to the front door. Moments before the door opens, I place my hand on Zakiya’s waist and lean down to whisper in her ear, “Anyone looking at us would assume we’re a family unit.”
“Sansone…” she grits while under her breath.
“Tempted?” I am, but I’m a realist. I haven’t had a serious relationship since I was a teenager, and it will take more than temptation to fulfill this vision.
A shiver racks her body.
Interesting… Her reaction is a promising sign. Maybe I’m not alone in this.
Sloane opens the door. She hasn’t lost her baby weight, but the extra pounds look good on her. If I know my brother, heand her other husband, Tácito, make sure she knows it. I would feel sorry for my sister-in-law, but I’m beginning to understand Valentino’s response when I mocked him about his obsession with his wife, though I’ll never get how he waited years to claim her. I’ve known Zakiya for less than a month and I’m already impatient to make her mine.
“Jinx, this is your aunt, Zia Sloane.” I rest my hand on her shoulder. “She’s Teodoro’s mother.”
Sloane bends down to Jinx’s level. “I’m also a kick-butt fighter. If you ever need lessons, I can teach you a few moves.”
My daughter glances at Zakiya who avoids meeting her eyes. Has Jinx seen her in action? If so, what were the circumstances? More and more, the mystery surrounding Zakiya intrigues me. Will I ever discover her secrets? Will she ever trust me to know them?
“Your uncle Valentino will connect with us soon. He’s very excited to see you again. Join me outside?” Sloane smiles and leads us to the patio outside. “That’s your uncle Tácito with my son. I think you’ll like him.”
On a blanket spread out on the lawn, Tácito feeds their son. I take Jinx to introduce them. My signing is amateur at best, but I can survive simple exchanges.
Valentino walks out and immediately accosts his wife in greeting, and whispers something to make her hide her face. From the blank expression on Zakiya’s face and her speedy escape, she overheard their conversation.
My brother brings his wife to join Tácito who has started to teach Jinx rudimentary signs. I stare in amazement as she enthusiastically embraces this method of communication, and I make a note to myself to continue her education.
Even if I never hear her voice, if she’s willing to sign, I’ll become fluent for her.
While I gaze upon my daughter with growing pride and hope, Valentino sidles beside me. “The favor you asked for is here.”
