CHapter 23
Killian
I watch Mia, never taking my eyes off her. I didn’t want to leave her side at all tonight, but Calista, Reign’s wife, wanted to introduce her to some of my cousins and other family members, so I reluctantly let Mia go off with her.
“You love this girl,” Reign says to me, and I glance over at him, but I quickly avert my gaze back to Mia.
I nod, unable to deny it. I take a sip of my beer. It’s cool and crisp and goes down smoothly.
“I do,” I reply, letting out a sigh.
What’s the point of denying it anymore? I’ve been trying to deny it all week, ever since what happened between us during the snowstorm.
I don’t think I can deny it any longer, though.
I’m in love with Mia Cavallo.
I think I’ve always been, even when I thought that I hated her.
She’s fucking perfect. And she’s mine. She just doesn’t realize it yet.
I’ve kept my distance since what happened between us on Tuesday, and she has, too.
I watch her now, her eyes lit up in amusement over something Calista says, a smile on her face, and I can’t keep the smile off my own face when I see her like that.
“I’m happy for you, bro,” Reign says, clapping me on the back. “I’m glad you’re back here.”
“I’m not,” I reply with a shrug, and Reign laughs.
“I mean, I missed you guys,” I tell him. “And I’d love to come see the kids. It’s even been nice with Maddox. But mom and dad…”
I let my voice trail off. I don’t have to say anything else; Reign knows exactly what I mean by that.
“I know,” he says with a sigh. “Honestly, as much as I wanted to get away from them, it’s nice having them around for Zephyr and Luna.”
“Is it?” I ask, raising my eyebrows up at him.
“Mom’s good with Luna,” he says, nodding. “Dad…”
He doesn’t have to finish his sentence, either. My father isn’t a “kid” person. He’s barely a people person.
“You talk to Jer?” I ask, and he shakes his head, no.
“Not for a few weeks,” he tells me. “But that’s normal for us. He’s doing good. He’s really trying.”
“I’m so glad,” I say, nodding. “I want to go see him.”
“He’s kind of weird about visitors,” Reign says. “But you could try.”
I nod, contemplating it.
Calista and Mia make their way back over to us, and I pull Mia into me.
“Your cousins are sweet,” she says, gazing up at me.
I resist the urge to pull her face towards mine and kiss her.
“Dad’s here,” Reign says, and I can’t help but tense. Mia notices, and I see a look of worry flicker across her face.
I don’t want her to worry. I’m only worried because if my father is a prick to her, I know that I’ll lose my mind. And I can’t afford to lose my mind on my father, for Jeremy’s sake. But I won’t tolerate any disrespect towards Mia.
I might as well get this over with, though.
“Come on,” I say to Mia.
I hate how nervous she looks, and I squeeze her side affectionately.
“He’s going to love you, sweetheart,” I tell her, hoping that I’m reassuring her. “Just like the rest of my family did.”
She practically beams at my words, and I feel better as we make our way over to my father.