Chapter 20

TRIVA

“Taking care of her? That was fine, but you made it sound like you were doing us a favor, something I should be obliged to you for. As if I hadn’t taken care of him all this time.”

“Well, thank you for taking care of us. But that doesn’t mean you can keep Gia away from her father.”

I folded my arms. Gia hadn’t seen her father until now, and that was because of me. I wouldn’t let her miss another chance. Although, I doubted Auden would stand aside and let that happen.

“Yeah? Where was this father all these years?” He got in my face, but I held my ground.

“He didn’t know about her. It’s on me.”

“So, you’re already defending him?” He flinched as if I’d burned him.

A fresh surge of irritation fueled my headache. How was he so dramatic? I hadn’t slept in twenty-four hours. I had no energy.

“This is ridiculous. I can’t do this right now.”

I’d taken only a few steps toward Gia’s room when he grabbed my arm and spun me around. “Why are you running away?”

I yanked my arm free. “I’m walking away because you refuse to see reason.”

“It’s my fault now?” His voice rose several pitches. I blinked twice. God, give me some patience.

AIDEN

Avery noticed me the moment I walked in. She leaned over and whispered something in Freya’s ear. Seconds later, she looked up at me, her cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink.

By the time I reached her, the older woman was already heading to the kitchen. My eyes fell on Freya. She was gorgeous, even in a simple t-shirt and jeans. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my hand around that ponytail and kiss her. I was tempted. As if she could read my mind, her blush deepened.

Freya cleared her throat. “Avery likes you.”

So, that was about me. And whatever Avery said had made Freya blush. That alone put me in a good mood.

“Yeah? What did she say?”

“Oh, uhm—it’s nothing.” She seemed to regret it. Now I was curious. I tilted my head and stared.

“Definitely not nothing if it makes you blush like that.” My words were met with immediate denial. “I wasn’t blushing.” If anything, the blush was more intense. I reached out and touched her cheek.

She shuddered. Freya wasn’t unaffected by me. I fought off a smile. She released a harsh breath and stepped back. I pulled my hand back and put them in my pockets.

“Can we go? We’re going to be late,” she said, giving me an annoyed glare. My lips twitched. Her indignation was adorable.

“Wouldn’t want that.” She walked past me and out to my car. I hadn’t brought my driver. I refuse to share precious time with Freya and my daughter with an outsider.

I opened the passenger door for her. Freya raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

“You’re acting like a gentleman.”

The corner of my lips curved into a smirk as I assessed her face. Her eyes dropped to my mouth for a second before she looked away, guarded, almost wary.

Chapter 20 (continued)

“So you think I’m not a gentleman?” Freya bit her lower lip while she contemplated her answer. I fought down a groan and the urge to reach out. I didn't stop the smirk from becoming a smile. Good. She was aware. But even knowing that, she wouldn’t get away from me. I gestured toward the car. Throwing another doubtful look my way, she got in. I closed the door, took a second before getting in the driver’s seat.

My obsession with Freya had only grown over the years. Her reappearance had made it worse. Being confined with her without touching her is torture. I’d probably have a heart attack if the situation doesn’t change soon.

“So—uhm, I spoke to Noah this morning,” Freya said, clicking her seatbelt. I did the same before pulling onto the street.

“And—how did that go?”

“He got upset!” It sounded more like a question, as if she was unsure if “upset” was the right word.

“Details, Freya.”

She looked outside, chewing on her bottom lip. I was having a hard time not pulling her close and kissing her. Freya was a temptation—an irresistible one that had destroyed my control.

“He accused me of going behind his back with you. I explained, but he’s not happy with you being in the picture.” Her voice trailed off, the last words barely audible.

My arousal was quickly replaced by fury. I could imagine the tantrum that whiny bastard threw. The fact that he thought he had any say in matters concerning my daughter and me was reason enough to throw him under a moving car. My grip on the steering wheel tightened.

“He’ll understand. He just needs some time to process it.” I heard the underlying concern. She was worried; she wasn’t helping his case. Her concern for that man-child was grating on my nerves. I was barely controlling my anger.

“I’m sure,” I gritted out, not taking my eyes off the road. From my peripheral vision, I could see Freya studying me, trying to gauge my feelings. She sighed and looked away, probably unsuccessful. Years of practice helped me keep my emotions in check, now an unconscious habit.

The rest of the ride was silent. Neither of us spoke until we reached Gia’s school. Freya hugged her and kissed her nose. All the annoyance buzzing under my skin dissipated almost immediately.

As I watched that interaction, a strange and fierce possessiveness gripped me. I wanted to protect them from everything bad. I was worried about how strong the feeling was.

“Aiden!” Gia pulled away from her mother and beamed at me. I bent down to her height.

“Happy to see me, sweetheart!” She nodded with a toothy grin before wrapping her arms around my neck. “I missed you,” she mumbled into my chest, and I felt like my heart could burst.

“And I missed you. So much.” I kissed her hair.

“Can we go to the park?” Another toothy grin? Was I expected to say no to that face?

“Of course, we can.”