FORTY-THREE
GAVIN
The apartment is silent, my cock is hard, and the memory of Millie’s touch the other night is playing on repeat in my head. The way she rubbed her hands across my chest, down my arms, through my hair, and lower—until we were interrupted.
Fuck, even delirious from a fever, I was hard as she touched me.
I slip a hand under the sheet and grip my cock. With a firm tug, I bring to mind the way it felt when she was wrapped around me. Hot. Squeezing me. Fucking me.
Fuck, it’s been too long.
Too long since I tasted her. Touched her. Kissed her.
With a groan, I pump harder, imagining her lips wrapping around my head, how she’d twirl her tongue and then smile when I’d curse. I squeeze my eyes shut and conjure the way it felt when I’d fist her hair, and in response, she’d suck me harder. The light tugging turned her on so much that she’d grind against my leg, looking for relief. I’d flip her around then and eat her out until she came all over my face.
I need her so badly. My spine tingles and white lights burst behind my eyelids as I hurtle closer to my release. But the sensations are interrupted by a cry.
“Fuck.” Just one more minute and I’ll be?—
Vivi cries again, this time louder and more pained. The desire drains from me quickly. With a grunt, I release my cock and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I adjust myself and rush into the bathroom to wash my hands. Then I march down to her room, determined to get to her before Millie wakes up.
I didn’t hear Vivi at all last night, which means either she magically slept through the night or I was still so out of it that I didn’t hear her, so Millie got up with her. I’d bet on the latter.
My suspicion is confirmed when I open the door to my daughter’s room and find a sleeping Millie curled up on Vivi’s rainbow rug, the blue comforter from Finn’s bed wrapped around her.
Shame and anger flood my veins. I’m a fucking asshole.
Chest heaving with frustrated breaths, I silently move to the crib. I force my body to relax, though, before I pick up my baby girl. Once she’s in my arms, I soothe her. “Hey, Vivi girl. Let’s get you a bottle.”
On the couch, I change her, and once she’s finished her bottle, I settle her in the swing, then return to her room, determined to start fresh with the angel on her floor.
She deserves so much more than I’ve given over the last few weeks. Hell, the last few months. I walked out when she was struggling. I turned my back on her because she wasn’t ready for all of this. And the moment she finds out what I’m going through, she doesn’t hesitate to drop everything to help me.
To help my daughter.
To love us both, even when it’s the last thing I deserve. Even when I’ve made it nearly impossible for her.
I bend down and pull Millie into my arms. She opens her eyes, blinking in confusion, and her first words crack my thawing heart. “Vivi—is she okay?”
“Yes, Peaches. She’s okay. Come on.” I press my lips to her forehead. “Go back to sleep.”
She relaxes in my arms with a sigh and buries her head in my neck. “Just need a few minutes,” she murmurs, her breath hot on my skin, sending tingles down my spine.
I shuffle into my room and lay her on my side of the bed. This is exactly where I want her. On my pillow. In my bed. Under my sheets. Smelling like me.
Forever.
Her lashes flutter for a moment before she finally forces her eyes open. “Wait. I can go to my room. I’m sorry I?—”
“Sleep, baby.” I press my lips to her forehead. From now on, she won’t be sleeping anywhere but here.