discussed this last night.
“I’ll wait for her. I spend as much of my free time going to see her. We’ll make it work, but she mentioned last night that she wanted to stay in town and complete the degree online.”
He sits back on the sofa, crossing his ankle over the opposite knee. I’m not an expert on his emotions, but I think he’s happy with this news.
“I’ll support whatever decision she makes. I know I’ve lived a lot of my life already, and she needs the opportunity to do the same.”
“And if she gets pregnant?”
This makes me pause, but there’s no way to hide the smile. “We’re safe.”
Did I just admit to sleeping with this man’s daughter? I mean, surely he knows it’s happened or is going to happen, but confessing it out loud is weird for everyone.
“Safe?”
“I plan to marry her, sir. If she wants babies, I’ll give her a dozen.”
“Are you asking permission?”
“No.”
His eyes narrow again.
“I won’t let anyone stand between us. Absolutely no one, and I don’t mean that as any form of disrespect. Your blessing would be nice, though. I don’t want her thinking she has to choose.”
“I would never put her in that position. I want her happy.”
I look over his shoulder once again, meeting Sophia’s eyes. I want to touch her skin and have her pressed against me. She’s only across the room, and I miss her already. Her delicate features soften even further with my eyes on her, and if I wasn’t so entranced, I’d find it comical the way Kingston’s eyes dart back and forth between us like he’s afraid he’s going to miss something.
“I’m happy if she’s happy.”
“I’ll spend every second of my life making sure she is.”
“I understand the appeal. Makayla is a bit younger than I am, but if you don’t stop looking at my daughter like you’re undressing her with your eyes, I may have to punch you in the nose.”
I wink at Sophia before refocusing on Dominic.
“I also understand what it’s like to take on the responsibilities of another kid,” he says, leaving that hanging in the air.
“Rick and Sophia get along very well.”
“I’m not happy you guys hid what was going on.”
“It’s very new,” I explain. “The attraction was there, but nothing umm… happened until after the graduation party. I didn’t abuse my power or use her internship in a negative way. I’ve loved her long before I—” I have to look away, my hand immediately going to the back of my neck. “The physical relationship hasn’t been going on very long. It’s new. Very new. Like days. Just a couple days. Day three. This is day three.”
Did someone turn up the heat to make me sweat on purpose? Why am I rambling? I feel like a suspect, only it’s my own volition that’s keeping me here rather than steel cuffs chained to a table.
“Are you done interrogating him?” Relief washes over me as Sophia steps up to us, but then she sits on my lap, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “Everyone is ready for brunch.”
I don’t know if I should push her off my lap because Dominic is watching us like he’s assessing the situation and taking notes, but on instinct, my arms go around her as well.
Dominic nods once before standing up and heading into the kitchen.
“Jesus,” I hiss, keeping my voice as low as I can manage. “That was intense.”
“I think you passed the test,” she whispers, pressing her lips to my jaw.
We could be in the middle of a battlefield and that one simple action would calm me.
“I was willing to fight him for you.” It’s mostly the truth. The man is a massive brick wall, and I’m sure even at his age he could kill me with his bare hands. “I would’ve probably died, but you’re worth it.”
She chuckles, her nose resting against my neck.
“You may still get your chance. We haven’t told him I’m moving in with you yet.”
Chapter 38
Sophia
Several Months Later
“It’s weird.”
I look across the room, unable to deny his words. My parents and his parents are chatting with Uncle Diego and Aunt Emmalyn. They’re all smiling and joking with one another.
“It’s a little strange,” I admit.
“My dad is wearing jeans, Sophia. And a pair of fucking combat boots.”
I roll my lips between my teeth to keep from smiling. “Think he’ll buy a Harley next?”
“My mom would never allow it.”
“I overheard her telling Khloe that she always wanted to feel the wind in her hair.”
He snaps his face