Unprofessional (Under editing)

Chapter 32: Not Your Dad

Isaac Collins POV

Lovey, Rowan and I were curled up in the living room, watching Ella Enchanted for what felt like the hundredth time. Rowan nestled into my side, her body warm against mine, while Lovey sat on her lap, clutching the remote fiercely. I draped my arm around Rowan's waist, and she rested her head on my shoulder.

I finally managed to slip the remote from Lovey's grasp without her noticing and exited out of the movie.

"Wait—what just happened?" Lovey exclaimed, whipping her head toward the screen.

"Isaac." Rowan said, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Iyic, you're so mean," Lovey huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Don't worry, I'll put on something you'll like," I said, keeping my voice smooth. I scrolled through the options and selected a movie. Within minutes, Lovey was completely hooked, her initial betrayal forgotten.

I tightened my grip on Rowan, feeling the way her body calmed beneath my touch. She'd been on edge ever since that night. She'd flinch when I or Lovey would come up behind her.

It fucking killed me.

I shifted, pressing a kiss against the top of her head, inhaling deeply. Her warmth, her scent—lavender and something sweet—wrapped around me, grounding me.

Recently, I allowed her to work from home most days. I told myself it was because it was easier. But the truth was, I couldn't stand the idea of her out there, vulnerable. The tabloids still ran the story of Miles' arrest, but thankfully, they kept Rowan out of it.

I brought up therapy once, thinking that it could do her some good after the current events, and she freaked out. Said she didn't need to talk to a stranger about what happened. That she was fine.

But I wasn't.

I wasn't fine with watching her jump at shadows. I wasn't fine with seeing her beautiful, confident spirit dimmed by fear—and something else. She'd been a little strange lately, like she was keeping something from me. But I might just be looking into something that could just be nothing.

A soft movement pulled me from my thoughts. Lovey's eyes were drooping, her small frame growing heavier. Not long after, she surrendered to sleep, her head lolling against Rowan's chest.

"I should put her to bed," Rowan whispered.

"No, I got her," I murmured. "You stay here. Finish the movie."

She hesitated, then gave me a small, tired smile. "Okay."

Her hand cupped my cheek, her thumb brushing lightly over my skin before she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. I lingered there for a moment, savouring it before I stood with Lovey tucked safely in my arms.

I carried her upstairs, tucking her beneath her pink bedsheets, smoothing her curls back from her face.

"Night, lovebug," I whispered.

As I turned toward the door, I heard it.

"Night-night, Daddy."

I froze.

Slowly, I turned back, but Lovey was already sound asleep, her chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm.

Had I imagined it?

My throat tightened, something unfamiliar clawing at my chest.

Maybe I was just hearing things.