Sierra
Chapter nine
Who do I say they are? I thought Zander, Braxton and I were getting close, but now, after what happened, do they even want to still talk to me? The room spins, and my stomach is tied into knots.
“They go to school with me.” I can’t even face him, instead I stare at my pizza, picking a piece of hamburger off of it, putting it in my mouth.
“Okay, but who are they? Two of them went head-to-head with me, so they must be more than just classmates.” He takes hold of my chin with his fingers, turning my head to face his.
“They…” I stammer, but nothing else comes out.
“Come on baby, talk to me.” He releases my chin, allowing his fingers to glide along the edge of my face, pushing my hair behind my ear.
“They’re brothers and new to school this year.
I met Braxton, the twin fighting you, while I was out back to school shopping with Sam.
The other one who jumped onto you is Zander.
We are partners for a school project. They’ve been really nice to me and like me.
The other twin is Colton, and he hates me. Maybe they all do now.”
I will not cry.
“Why do you think that?”
“You saw what they walked in on. How I looked. I bet the entire school knows at this point. I still don’t know why you’re here?
Hell, I can’t even process everything, with Rico, and him being my uncle.
How he knew who I was and was raising Sam, taking care of both of us since Mom died.
My mind is overrun with questions, but all I can feel right now is my heart breaking about not having Sam.
” My hands cover my face as my body heaves in sobs.
I have no control over my emotions right now.
“No, you’re not going to get down on yourself.
Not around me. You’re gorgeous and a woman any man would give his left nut to be with.
If anything, they should see what a strong and amazing woman you are to have withstood everything you’ve endured in your life.
I know I do. And the minute you turn eighteen, you’re mine.
And even if I have to share you with them, I don’t care. All I want is you.”
My head jerks up to look at him with wide eyes. Did he just say what I think he did?
“Share me?” I ask slowly, my face flush.
“Yes, share. If you like these boys, who am I to say you can’t be with them? But if they treat you like shit or attempt to make you feel less than what you are, I'll end them.” My jaw drops. He can’t mean that, can he?
“But why would you be willing to share me with someone else? How is that fair to you?”
He smiles as he reaches up, tracing his fingers along my lips before leaning in and kissing me softly. A kiss so tender it has me wanting more when he pulls away.
“I’d rather share you than not have you at all. More men in your life just means more people to look out for you and Sam and make sure you’re both taken care of and treated like the queens you are.”
Cyrus Donaldson is a unicorn. One I’m so grateful to have in my life.
“How can you feel that way about me?” I lift my gaze to him, as I worry my lip.
“Baby, that’s a stupid question. How can I not?
Since the day I saw you in the club, I’ve wanted you.
To know anything and everything I could about you.
What makes you happy, sad and even what turns you on.
I’ve gone to bed so many nights dreaming of finding out what every inch of your body looks like.
You own me, Sierra Jones, heart and soul. For eternity.”
I don’t know what overcomes me, but I turn in the chair and throw myself on him, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“I don’t want to wait,” I whisper in his ear. “Besides, I’m good at keeping secrets.” The more I press my face into his neck, the more muffled my words become.
“Don’t tempt me, baby.” His raspy voice vibrates against my skin. “Now eat, then we can discuss us.”
He lets go of me, and my body instantly misses his warmth. Cyrus comforts me in ways I’ve never realized.
We eat in silence, each of us stealing glances at the other.
I know I’ve had a goofy smile on my face the entire time.
Then it hits me; I’m smiling and Sam isn’t with me.
I can’t talk to her or see her. But I can talk to Zander and Braxton.
Maybe there’s a small chance that they’ll tell me how she is, maybe even send me some pictures.
But I can’t do anything until Rico picks up my stuff from the foster home.
Rico! I still can’t believe he’s my uncle and I’ve been naked in front of him.
It makes me want to vomit, yet I still want to go back there and work.
I have to, it’s the only way I can make enough money to show I can take care of Sam.
Thankfully, he swore he never watched me dance or looked at me when I wasn’t dressed.
As I think back, I realize he’s telling the truth. Why didn’t I notice it then?
Every time I danced, he wouldn’t be on the floor and when he was, he’d act like it would damage his eyes to look at me. Even in the dressing room, he’d stare at the floor or ceiling if I was in there. I thought I just repulsed him.
I somehow get down two slices of pizza before I push the plate away, unable to stomach any more. “What time is it, Cyrus?”
He looks down at this watch. “Eight. You want to watch a movie, get to know one another, or are you ready to head back to bed?”
“We can talk. But can we go back to the bedroom? How did I get in bed, anyway? The last thing I remember is us sitting on the couch.”
“You fell asleep, so I carried you to bed. But when I laid you down, I didn’t want to leave you. I thought I had lost you forever.”
“Me too. Those guys, the ones you asked about, their father wanted to foster me. I got excited because I thought both Sam and I could go there, but we couldn’t because someone lied and said I was abusing her.
So, I asked him to take her instead, knowing she’d be taken care of.
I just miss her so much. I know it’s only been a day, but I do. ”
Cyrus stands, taking the empty plate to the sink, and quickly washes it, placing it in the strainer.
He steps back over to me and pulls my chair out, slipping one arm behind me, the other under my knees.
Without a word, he hoists me up into the air, cradling me against his hard chest. My heart races, being this close to him.
I’m not sure how to feel. Love, hurt, anger, the whole stratosphere of emotions running rampant through my body, all battling to be the one in control.
“We’re going to get her back. But at least you know she’s somewhere where she will be treated well until that happens.
Not what you want, but it’s a bright light shining through the darkness.
” I rest my head on his shoulder, nuzzling into his neck, letting the rocking motion soothe me as he carries me to my room.
He sits me down on the edge of the bed before kneeling down on the floor in front of me. “Want to go ahead and put on some pajamas?”
I nod my head and go to stand, but he places his hands on my thighs, squeezing gently.
“I’m going to stay with you tonight. I would, even if Rico hadn’t asked me to. But I need to know if it’s okay if I sleep with you. I just want to hold you in my arms.”
“Yes.” I don’t want him to leave. I think having him close is the only way I’ll be able to sleep through the night.
“Good. Now can I sleep in my boxers, baby? If not, I’ll check what clothes are here and see if I can find something.”
“Boxers are fine.” I clear my throat, feeling my cheeks flush.
“Okay, I’m going to give you a minute to change, double check the lights are out, and get us something to drink.”
I watch him leave, my eyes focused on his ass. How can this smart, handsome man really want me? An almost eighteen-year-old stripper with nothing to offer.
Standing, I step over to my dresser and pull out a pair of sleep shorts and a shirt. I slowly undress, removing everything but my panties.
“Every time I see the marks on your body, I want to rip apart everyone who has ever laid a hand on you.” I jump at his words, quickly turning and holding my hands to my chest.
“You scared me!” I wrap my arms tighter around myself, covering all that I can. I’m not sure why, especially since he’s seen me at the club in way less and helped me take a bath.
“Sorry, baby. Please don’t hide yourself from me. I love your body.”
“Okay, but it’s just at the club—” I gulp as I turn back around and get dressed. The whole time I can feel his eyes on me.
“Don’t forget you’re mine. Never be embarrassed or cover yourself around me. And Lilac or not, you are the person I love. Your dancing doesn’t make you less in my eyes. It shows me you’re strong, and if I have to remind you of that every day until you finally realize it, I will.”
His words send a tendril of warmth licking up my spine and fluttering in my belly. Turning to face him, I smile before moving over to the bed and climbing in. Cyrus walks to the other side and slides under the covers, turning so he faces me, propping himself up on his elbow.
“What if I told you I want to call you my girl now? I know you’re only seventeen and I’m twenty. It’s not a huge difference, but you’re still considered a minor.”
“I don’t care,” I say forcefully. Why let the world dictate whether or not it’s okay for us to be together? They didn’t care when they left me and Sam with Sarah.
“We will just need to be careful for a little longer.” He slides his hand through my hair and pulls me to him, pressing his lips to mine.
His tongue glides across them before pushing its way inside. God, he feels so good. He groans as he deepens the kiss, tightening his hold on me.
We’re both out of breath when we break apart.
“Fuck me, you’re amazing,” he growls, the deep rumble of his voice sending a shiver through my body.