Page 76 of Luci’s Lullaby

My mouth hangs before I snap it shut. I wave him away from my car and pull into the nearest spot. I climb out, stomping toward his door. “For the record, I don’t give a flying fuck if she stayed.”

“That’s more than obvious.” He smirks and leans against the doorframe. I could smack the smirk off his face.

I make a beeline to the kitchen to grab my things. I open the cabinet under the sink to get a bag. I yank on one until it’s freed and shove my containers in it.

I whip around to find him standing behind me, blocking the door. Avoiding eye contact, I bite down on my lip to calm myself.

“What are you doing, Charlee?” His jaw ticks as if he’s the one angry.

I hold out my bag. “Getting my things, what does it look like?”

“No one’s here, I thought we could talk.” He takes a few steps toward me.

I lick my lips trying to wet my dry mouth. He’s absolutely gorgeous in his basketball shorts and t-shirt. “I have nothing to say.”

“Good, you can listen to me since you wouldn’t earlier.” He steps into me, making my stomach flip.

I swallow hard. “Fine, say what you need to, and I’ll be outta your way.”

“First, I can not help if women from previous… encounters, come here. I did not invite anyone. I will not invite anyone other than you. Second, my one and only priority at this point in my life is that little girl in there.” He points to her room, crowding me. “No matter what you think of me, you know this—she is the most important thing to me. Lastly, if and when I want someone, I’m man enough to take her.”

My lips fall open on a gasp as something in my chest flutters. “Is that all?”

“I want you to stay.” He pauses as if he’s struggling with his next words. “For Luci. She needs you, and I do too.”

I glance at him. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

He shifts his weight, leaning away from me. “I promise you, I’ll control myself. I’ll do anything you need me to do so that you feel comfortable here with us.”

“I’m only here for her, Alden.” I grit my teeth. “I am well aware there’s nothing between us, and I hope you’ll understand my only concern is Luci. I don’t care who you sleep with or mate like rabbits with.”

His jaw pops. “I suppose we have an understanding.”

“Yep, we sure do.” As if on cue, Luci begins to fuss.

“I’ll get her.” He walks away as if nothing has happened.

I grab a bottle to heat, hoping my reddened face will mellow. He takes his time coming back into the room; I’m not convinced it was so I would leave or not. He offers me a tight smile when I hand him the bottle.

Luci immediately starts crying. Frustration is written all over him. I know the episode with Red and me didn’t help, but he has to chill when he has her.

“Alden,” he glances at me, “I realize you’re upset, but she feels it too.”

He releases a heavy sigh. “I know, I’m at a loss for what to do. I’ve tried sleeping with her, talking to her, and even laying her down until I get my sh—crap together, but nothing’s working.”

“Sing to her.” His eyes lock with mine. “Try it sometime, I bet it helps.”

He rubs her lips again with the nipple, and she finally latches on. “Good girl.”

“I’m gonna head out.” I hesitate. “Do you need any help tomorrow?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it.” He forces a smile, and Luci grunts.

“I think that’s my cue.” Tiptoeing, I place a soft kiss on Luci’s cheek.

“Running again I see.” He smirks.

“Don’t worry, one day you’ll enjoy the view of me walking away.” I wave at him as something sparks in his eye.