Edging Obsession

34

T hankfully, Jules meeting her biological father didn’t rattle her. If anything, Yusuf’s trafficking sickens her. And because of Elise and Elliott, the loss of him didn’t cause such an impact.

It’s morning, and I tell Jules I have a meeting and head over to the guesthouse. Instead of informing them, I decide to surprise Elise and Elliott to avoid an immediate rejection. After what happened yesterday, I can’t deny they’ve both been great parents to Jules. I have to make this right.

Look at me, getting all moral and shit. I hadn’t been bothered they were disgusted by me, but things have changed. I’m trying to change. Jules and my relationship is like the deep ocean. We have our calm days, where we are a normal couple, and then her tsunami of emotions rocks us into uncharted territory. Jules’ mental illness is new to me too, so like her, I’m figuring it out as we go along. An important thing for her mental health is a decent relationship between me and her parents. She loves us, and seeing us at odds doesn’t help the situation.

I walked here to avoid detection and knock. Elise opens the door, and realizing it’s me, tries to shut it in my face.

“Wait! Please! Can we talk?”

She balances against the edge of the door, only allowing it to remain open enough for half her body. “We have nothing to say to you.”

“Elise. We all love Jules. Let’s talk about it.”

Elliott comes to the door and snarls, “What are you doing here?”

To control my temper, I let out a heavy sigh. “I’d like to talk to you about everything.”

Elise says, “He wants to talk about Jules.”

He says, “We’ve said our piece.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “Have you, Elliott? Because your daughter is at my house, in my bed, distraught over the fact we don’t get along.” Dick move mentioning my bed, but sometimes he’s like a sliver in my ass. He’s about to speak, yet I continue, “Listen, I’m not here to fight. I’d like to have a serious talk. You love Jules, and so do I.” Placing my hand over my heart for emphasis, I ask, “Can’t we have a civilized conversation for your daughter’s sake?”

I figured a guilt trip is the best way for me to get in the door. Elise and Elliott have this habit of talking to each other through glances and expressions. I haven’t figured out how they know what the other thinks, but they’re usually in agreement. Elise widens the door, nods, and they step aside to let me in. We make our way to the kitchen where she clears away the breakfast dishes and brews coffee. I peruse the place. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the guesthouse. Aside from some touchup jobs, it appears to be in great condition. Elise places sugar and milk on the table, bringing over three cups of coffee. They sit opposite me, giving me dagger eyes.

We all take a sip, and then I start. “Jules and I had a long talk about…well, everything. She’s accepted me for who I am, and then the abduction happened.” After a deep inhale, I continue. “I understand you don’t like me.”

Elliott cuts in. “It has nothing to do with disliking , Miles. I hate your lifestyle. I hate that our daughter’s life is at risk because she even knows you.”

“Fair enough.” I turn my coffee cup a couple of times on the table. “While Jules and I talked, we came to the conclusion it’s best I distance myself from a life of crime.”

“You did?”

“Yes. Aside from my brother, I’ve never loved another human being as much as I love your daughter. She’s made me want to be a better person.” I shake my head. “Hell, I don’t want her in danger. She’s too precious.”

Elise’s eyes tear up and she stammers before saying, “I—I can’t believe it.” Her mouth opens, closes, and she adds, “You’re willing to give up this…this lifestyle for Jules.”

“Yes, but not my brother or Germany.”

Elliott joins in. “Wait. What do you mean?”

“After touring here, I realized how much I missed my brother and Germany. I’d like to spend some time in my homeland with Jules.” I hold up my hand. “And yes, before you say it, Jules will be well protected, meaning many bodyguards instead of just one. It wouldn’t be weird because I’ll still be playing with The Coven.”

Again, they search each other for answers, and I’ll admit, it drives me fucking nuts. Can’t they say what’s on their minds without looking for reassurance from the other?

Elise answers, “I’m not comfortable with Jules staying here. It doesn’t change the fact you’re living where your brother is headquartered.”

“This is the safest place for her in Germany, Elise. You can’t follow her around forever. You have my word, nothing bad connected to me will ever harm Jules again.”

“You gave us your word before. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in crime, you’ll be staying here, plus you’re in the most popular band in the world. Jules isn’t safe in your presence.”

“Do you think she’ll be safe going home to an empty apartment? No job? Will that make her happy?”

“No, but in time, she’ll forget you.”

I shove my cup away. “The hell she will, Elise.”

Elliott stops me. “Don’t talk to her that way.”

My hand points at both of them. “Could you forget about Elise? And Elise, could you forget about Elliott?” I run my fingers through my hair. “I fucking know my life is on the dangerous side. That doesn’t mean Jules and I shouldn’t be together. I have the funds and the means to keep her safe and happy. What happened will never occur again. Once I talk to my brother, the business will be transferred to him as sole leadership.”

“Is that even possible?”

“If this was a U.S. gang, getting out would be hard, but this is my brother. My family. I haven’t been involved in the business for five years, so he and I know he can handle it.”

They’re still on the fence about letting Jules stay here, so I add a bit of enticement. “This is also for your benefit. It will allow you a place to stay when you come to visit Anja. I’m not sure what her plans are, but it gives you all the freedom to visit one another.”

Elise hugs her cup and smiles. “That would be nice. We haven’t really talked to Anja about it.”

“And when Jules and I marry, we’ll have a place to live in the U.S. and Germany.”

They both sit straighter, mouths hanging open, wide-eyed from shock. I let out a laugh, knowing this is a shock, especially when I haven’t said anything to my Schatzi.

“I’m going to ask your daughter to marry me, but I’d like your blessing. It would mean a lot to me and Jules. I hate seeing her hurt because we don’t get along. We all love her, and it’s in our best interest to make sure we’re on good terms.”

Elliott stutters before saying, “Uh, well, we know you can take care of her financially. Jules suffers from mental illness. She’ll need someone who can give her attention. Care for her.”

“I think I’ve proven I can do it. I’m not blind to the fact her mental illness won’t play a factor in future problems. What I do know is I’m here for her. Whatever Jules wants and needs, medication, therapy, quiet time, it’s hers. I’ll make her life as comfortable as it can be.”

Elise purses her lips and whispers, “That’s very nice of you to say, Miles. Ever since meeting you, our daughter has been happy, aside from the shooting and abduction, which is hard to ignore.” Her smile grows. “But I’ve watched the both of you. There’s no doubt you love each other.” She gets a glimpse of Elliott and adds, “So…you have my blessing.”

My face hurts from my huge smile. “Thank you so much, Elise. It means everything to me.”

Elliott then says, “I have to agree with Elise. Jules loves you. For us to deny her happiness, would make us horrible parents, so you have my blessing, too.”

I thrust my hand toward Elliott who takes it. “Thank you. I’ll take good care of her.”

“We expect nothing less. Plus, we want to see Jules often.”

“Definitely.”

This has turned out perfect. Elise starts talking about the wedding, and Elliott and I laugh, because I haven’t even mentioned it to Jules, let alone asked. They want to know how and when I plan on proposing, and I tell them the truth. I have no idea. On my way out, I tell them I’ll let Jules know everything is good with us.

At my house, I find Jules in one of my t-shirts, which falls a little above mid-thigh. Her curls veil over her shoulders, nipples pushing against the material, and her long legs are buried in a pair of thick wool socks. She’s a vision. One I want to wake to every day.

She approaches, engulfing me in her arms, resting her chin on my chest, and asks, “How did the meeting go?”

My fingers slide over her scalp, collecting her gorgeous locks. “Good.”

“Did you tell your brother?”

“Nope. I haven’t seen him yet.”

She pulls away a little. “I thought that’s who you had a meeting with.”

“I met with your parents.”

In the cutest Jules fashion, she backs up, lifting herself onto the kitchen island. “What? Why?”

“Because I heard you loud and clear. It was up to me to make things right with them.”

“And?”

I lean against the counter across from her, arms crossed, biting my lower lip. Cliché as it is, even after all we’ve been through, the sight of Jules takes my breath away. She has heart. We’re from different backgrounds, yet there’s so much of Jules’ ways and thinking I’d like to adopt. She treats everyone the way they treat her. And when it comes to her parents, she’ll do anything to for their happiness. I respect that.

Jules stretches her leg out to get my attention. “And?”

“And we’re on good terms. It will take some time for them to trust me, but for now, we’re okay. I told them about leaving the life of crime behind. It sealed the deal.”

She jumps off the counter, squealing, and jumping up and down. “I’m so happy.”

I grab her abruptly, cradle her head in my hands, and plant a kiss on her lips. “I’ll do anything for you to be happy. Remember it.”

On her tippy toes, her arms circle my neck, and she says, “And I’ll do anything for you too.”

My eyebrow rises. “Anything?”

She giggles and then her face drops into a frown. “Um, yes?”

“How about group sex?”